Research Technician: Institute for Nuclear Security - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Full-time

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 52k-65k / year

Posted on Nov 12, 2026

Institute for Nuclear Security in the Tickle College of Engineering located on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) campus, is seeking two Research Technicians interested in working in a team environment supporting an ongoing research program in ceramic processing, characterization, and testing.

The Research Technicians will perform ceramic particle size reduction, separation, and characterization analysis on various ceramic powders. Reductions will be performed through crushing and milling. Separation will be performed with gravity separators. Characterization will include the use of various particle size analyzers, BET, Pycnometer, XRF, XRD, and SEM.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
Institute for Nuclear Security in the Tickle College of Engineering located on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) campus, is seeking two Research Technicians interested in working in a team environment supporting an ongoing research program in ceramic processing, characterization, and testing. UTK is recognized by Forbes magazine as one of America’s best places to work and offers competitive benefits.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering, materials engineering, mining engineering, geology, or an earth and planetary science field.
  • Experience: One year of experience with processing, characterization, and analysis of non-metallic inorganic materials, particle size reduction and characterization, and good measurement practices.
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    • Experience with mechanical testing of ceramics and machining of ceramics.

    • Knowledge of ceramic phenomena under high stress conditions.

    • The ability to perform advanced data analysis using scanning electron microscopy.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    • Experience with mechanical testing of ceramics and machining of ceramics.

    • Knowledge of ceramic phenomena under high stress conditions.

    • The ability to perform advanced data analysis using scanning electron microscopy.

Work Location

  • Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR07
  • Anticipated hiring range: $52,000 - $65,000 depending on experience and qualifications
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before March 31st, 2027:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

Anticipated start date for this position is June 1, 2027.

About The Department

The Institute for Nuclear Security (INS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, unites the comprehensive expertise of the university community and its national partners to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: Nuclear Security.

Reporting to Professor Dr. Howard Hall, the Research Technicians will be responsible for running laboratory experiments, working cooperatively with our nuclear materials processing team, assisting in data analysis, preparing data for reporting, and being involved with design of future experiments.

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