Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences - UTK

The Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (EEPS) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the UTK Tectonics research group (PI: Dr. Chelsea Mackaman-Lofland). This a 1-year position with the possibility of a 1-year extension (start date September 1, 2026).

The postdoc will conduct research in the broad fields of tectonics, structural geology, sedimentology, basin analysis, and geo/thermochronology. Researchers in the lab group combine fundamental field and analytical skills in these disciplines, including field mapping, structural and stratigraphic measurements, balanced cross section construction, basin analysis, geochronology, low-temperature thermochronology, and other approaches with cutting-edge numerical modeling techniques to explore the forces and dynamic interactions driving crustal deformation, topographic evolution, basin accumulation, and lithospheric dynamics. Focus areas for postdoc research include, but are not limited to, the Canadian and Montana Rockies, the Andes of Chile and western Argentina, western Turkey, and southern Appalachians. The postdoc will have full access to excellent research facilities in Strong Hall including mineral separation, electron microprobe, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, experimental petrology facilities, structural modeling facilities, the ICP-MS lab, and the Stable Isotope Lab.

The successful applicant will engage in collaborative research, develop and lead independent projects on related topics, write scientific papers and grants, contribute to establishing UTK Tectonics lab infrastructure, and participate in graduate and undergraduate student mentorship. 

Required Qualifications

• Education: Applicants must hold a PhD in geoscience or a related discipline by the time of appointment
• Experience: Have a publication record with at least one publication accepted, in press, or in review at a peer reviewed journal

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Demonstrated experience in tectonics, structural geology, sedimentology, basin analysis, geo/thermochronology, and/or geochemistry

  • Demonstrated field, lab, and/or structural modeling abilities

  • Willingness to contribute to the broader research group, including overseeing some lab operations and providing excellent research mentorship at the graduate and undergraduate levels. 

Work Location 

• Knoxville, Tennessee; with opportunities for travel for fieldwork, lab analyses, conferences, and other activities. 

• Part-time remote work may be negotiated with the lab PI (Dr. Mackaman-Lofland) depending on postdoc and UTK Tectonics lab needs.

Compensation and Benefits 

• Anticipated hiring range: 60,000.00
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

For best consideration applicants should submit the materials below before 8/1/2026:

• Resume

• Cover letter

About The Department

The Mission of the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences is threefold:

• Empower students with critical knowledge and skills for life-long learning and enriching careers

• Advance the frontiers of scientific knowledge in the Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and related fields

• Benefit all Tennesseans and the world through our service and collaboration with university, government, and industry partners