Purpose-grown Energy Crop Physiologist – Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Spring 2025

Description

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) seeks highly qualified research faculty candidates to advance the knowledge and application of Purpose Grown Energy Crops Physiology, with an emphasis on perennial herbaceous and woody crops.

To increase the circularity of the harvested resources, biomass must be produced in a sustainable manner with minimal inputs (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, water). To help reach these sustainability goals, plant varieties grown need to be water and nutrient-use-efficient and resistant to pests and environmental challenges while achieving high biomass yields, optimal fiber and chemistry attributes, net positive carbon sequestration, and improved soil health. Through understanding crop physiology, along with conventional and novel biotechnological approaches, we see the successful candidate in this position to advance Circular Bioeconomy Systems (CBS). 

This position will be associated with UT-ORII’s CBS Convergent Research Initiative (CRI), whose mission is to address current and future challenges in the biological science of purpose purpose-grown energy crop production. The CBS CRI will include ~20 member investigators from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). This faculty appointment position will be with UT-ORII at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

CBS research faculty will collaborate on laboratory experiments and reporting, proposal preparation and submission, provide support for existing research projects, and mentor students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Four anchor investigators of the project will provide mentoring and necessary infrastructure to the hire. Applicants will be considered at all faculty ranks.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or other related discipline.
• Familiarity with plant biotechnology, physiology, photosynthesis, metabolic engineering, breeding, and whole plant phenotyping of dedicated energy crops such as giant miscanthus, switchgrass, hybrid poplar, willows, or bioenergy oil seed crops.
• Research experience in areas that support UT-ORII’s Circular Bioeconomy Systems mission, including, but not limited to:
  • Genetics and plant breeding
  • Plant physiology
  • Metabolic Engineering
  • Plant-microbe interactions
  • Agroecology
• An excellent track record in publications.
• A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired, though an ‘on-ramp’ through collaboration with more senior investigators is also encouraged.
• Strong writing and communication skills, along with a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team and a highly dynamic scientific environment.
• This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Preferred:

• Experience mentoring students and junior researchers.
• Experience in grant writing/funding.
• Experience in more than one discipline or interest in collaboration across relevant disciplines.

Additional Information

• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
• The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• This position's primary work location is on the UTIA campus in Knoxville, but it may also include visits to collaborator sites on the ORNL and UTK campuses.
• The position will be implemented as an initial three-year contract with full salary support for the first year, followed by a gradual decrease in salary coverage such that the successful applicant will receive 50% salary support in year 5 (if renewed) and is expected to receive extramural funding by year 3 or earlier.
• The applicant will be expected to recruit multiple 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. 

Application Instructions

Application reviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. All required application materials must be submitted to Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/163087

Required Application Materials:

• a letter of interest
• a comprehensive curriculum vitae
• a research plan
• a list of at least three professional references, including their complete contact information

More About UT-ORII
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