Job Details
Robotics and Automation for Advanced Manufacturing for Affordable Building Construction - Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor
Location:
Knoxville, TN
Open Date:
Aug 31, 2026
Description:
The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) seeks highly qualified research faculty candidates at any rank in robotics and automation. The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary collaboration focused on building construction to improve affordability, productivity, energy efficiency, and resilience. Potential research interests include, but are not limited to:
- Study the interaction and co-work between robots and people in the construction setting.
- Develop automation and robotics technologies for industrialized mass customization to maximize productivity, affordability, quality, and safety across the construction lifecycle.
- Develop and integrate onsite and offsite processes for the high-performance materials, component assembly, and whole building assembly that are being developed under the Buildings CRI. These activities will include robotic and automated manufacturing and automated quality assurance and quality control.
- Develop automatic and optimization processes to standardize and integrate onsite and offsite construction and industrialized mass customization in close collaboration with researchers from the Buildings CRI.
This position will be associated with the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute’s Advanced Manufacturing for Affordable Building Construction Convergent Research Initiative (Buildings CRI), a collaboration between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee. The Buildings CRI aims to transform the building industry through cutting-edge research in robotics, automation, advanced materials, and streamlined construction processes. At full strength, the Buildings CRI will recruit ~20 new investigators at ORNL and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). The Buildings CRI supports its interdisciplinary researchers by offering networking opportunities with fellow researchers and construction sector stakeholders, facilitating collaborative experiments and proposal development, providing mentorship from senior CRI researchers at ORNL and UT, and offering tailored professional development opportunities.
Roles and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program with interdisciplinary connections across the CRI network at UT and ORNL.
- Contribute building and construction expertise to collaborative studies on the transition of the building construction industry.
- Interface with UT-ORII programs to support the UT-ORII Buildings CRI's mission and goals.
- Build partnerships and collaborations through the Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED), Institute for Energy and Environment (IEE) gateway, Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, the Tickle College of Engineering, the School of Architecture, the UT Institute of Agriculture, and current and future partners.
As a UT-ORII research faculty member, the successful candidate will collaborate with designated UT departments and researchers as well as ORNL researchers to address current and future affordability, productivity, energy-efficiency, and resilience requirements for buildings. This includes conducting research, preparing and submitting proposals, supporting existing research projects, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
Qualifications:
- PhD or terminal degree in Robotics, Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
- A track record of publishing and seeking funding.
- Collaborative research experience in areas supporting UT-ORII’s Buildings CRI mission.
- Demonstrated research track record supporting the candidate’s potential to establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program aligned with UT-ORII’s mission and goals.
- A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired, though collaboration with more senior investigators is also encouraged.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Additional Information
- This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
- The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
- The primary work location for this position is on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville and may include visits to collaborator sites on the campuses of ORNL and UTK.
- The position will be implemented as an initial three-year contract with full salary support for the first year, followed by a gradual increase in expected external salary funding in subsequent years.
- The applicant will be expected to recruit graduate students by year three.
- A competitive startup package including funds for graduate students and equipment will be offered.
- Salary and title/rank will be determined commensurate with experience.
- Benefits will be typical of exempt employees at the University of Tennessee.
- The candidate must be eligible for initial clearance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Application Instructions:
Application materials must be submitted to Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/191960
Application reviews will begin October 15, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Applications must include:
(1) a letter of interest
(2) a comprehensive curriculum vitae
(3) research plan
(4) 3 Professional References including names, addresses, and telephone numbers
More About UT-ORII
The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute was launched by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2021, in response to America’s need for a stronger pool of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and increasingly life science talent. UT-ORII is leveraging UT and ORNL’s best capabilities and resources to accelerate collaborative discovery, innovation, and interdisciplinary graduate education; and to prepare the next generation of talent in areas of critical importance to the nation and the State of Tennessee. The institute’s current research areas include Clean Manufacturing and Advanced Materials, Energy Storage and Transportation, Radiopharmaceutical Therapies, Circular Bioeconomy Systems, and Advanced Manufacturing for Affordable Building Construction. To learn more about UT-ORII visit utorii.com.
More About UT Knoxville
UT Knoxville, which includes the UT Space Institute and the UT Institute of Agriculture, serves the state by educating its citizens, enhancing its culture, and making a difference in people’s lives through research and service. It embodies excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement. To learn more about UT Knoxville visit UTK.edu.
More About ORNL
Leveraging the talents of its world-class researchers and exceptional support staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping solve critical scientific and technical challenges and, in so doing, creating economic opportunity for the nation. ORNL provides access to unique facilities, laboratories, and equipment, drawing thousands of visiting researchers each year. To learn more about ORNL visit https://www.ornl.gov.
For questions, please contact Prof. Mingzhou Jin (jin@utk.edu).
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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