Job Details
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Fall 2027 (Materials Discipline)
Location: Knoxville, TN Open Date: Aug 26, 2026 Description: The Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK; https://chem.utk.edu/ ) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Chemistry in Materials Chemistry. The anticipated start date for the position is August 1, 2027. The successful candidate will have established an exemplary record of research that includes significant contributions to the candidate's field of…
study and that is indicative of future promise. These qualities can be demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, citation statistics, invited and contributed talks, evidence of leadership roles, and the candidate's Statement of Research. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally recognized, externally-funded research program in the Department and provide training to undergraduate and graduate students. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the teaching mission for the Department. We are looking for candidates committed to effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, as well as, to innovation in the development of curricula and teaching methods. These qualities are demonstrated through the candidate's pedagogical experience as articulated in the Statement of Teaching.
The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the goals of the University. The University is engaged in a next-level initiative aimed both at substantially elevating the University's national reputation for impactful research, scholarship, and creative activity and at assembling a roster of faculty committed to delivering one of the nation's best educational experiences for undergraduates and graduate students. UTK is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system. Faculty in the Department of Chemistry have the opportunity to work alongside and collaborate with researchers across our campuses, as well as at the nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Y-12 National Security Complex. The City of Knoxville has a beautiful and walkable downtown, varied nightlife, active neighborhoods, and eclectic shopping and restaurants. Knoxville and UTK are located within easy driving distance to Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Qualifications:
While experimental Materials Chemistry is broadly defined, experimental chemists with interests in solid state, quantum, and soft materials are strongly encouraged to apply.
Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor requires a completed Ph.D. degree in chemistry at time of application, and at least one full year of postdoctoral research experience is required.
Application Instructions:
All candidates should submit a single pdf document containing the following: (1) Cover letter addressing why this position is of interest; (2) Curriculum vitae including, at the end, names and contact information (institutions, phones, emails, and websites if available) of at least three references; (3) Statement of research plans with a proposed startup budget and budget justifications (maximum 8 pages including references); (4) Brief statement of teaching philosophy (maximum 2 pages). Applicants should apply at http://apply.interfolio.com/191908. They should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to this site. Review of applications will begin on October 5, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Search Chair, Bin Zhao, bzhao@utk.edu.
This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.
Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.
Organization
Working at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee is one of the nation's oldest and most storied public universities. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee's flagship land-grant institution includes the statewide Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute in Tullahoma. The university embodies excellence in teaching, discovery, scholarship, research, creative activity, outreach, and engagement. Known as the Volunteers, we lead with a spirit of selflessness, empathy, and courage, and strive to be champions for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
UT Knoxville is a Research 1 university with 11 academic colleges and more than 900 programs of study. With an enrollment of more than 30,000 students, our academic programs are repeatedly ranked top in their class. The university co-manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the country's most prominent national lab, driving innovation in advanced manufacturing and materials, national security, and more. We are closely connected with our communities through outreach and extension efforts across Tennessee and through partnerships with non-profits, corporations, and industries—regionally, nationally, and around the globe.
The city of Knoxville is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The modern, thriving community is surrounded by gorgeous lakes and hundreds of miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails. Situated along the banks of the Tennessee River, our beautiful features an eclectic music scene, internationally recognized festivals, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of diverse cultural activities. Knoxville is located within a day's drive of Atlanta, Nashville, Asheville, Charlotte, Louisville, Cincinnati, Memphis, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a population of more than 850,000 people. The region houses many leading corporations and organizations, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pilot/Flying J, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Regal Cinemas, along with HGTV, Food Network, and other networks owned by Discovery Inc.
As a member of the UT family, you will be surrounded by top-notch faculty, staff, and students from around the world. You will be part of a diverse campus community that is passionate about changing the world and cheering for the Vols on game day.
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