Senior Research Associate- College of Nursing-UTK

The Senior Research Associate will demonstrate expertise across research development, simulation of complex adaptive systems, and leadership of multidisciplinary projects. Research areas include the development of large language models integrated with digital twin development.  This position offers substantial autonomy to conduct original research while contributing to collaborative lab initiatives, managing daily operations, and mentoring junior researchers. It requires solving complex, interdisciplinary problems with limited supervision and playing a key role in proposal development and publication.

• Lead and contribute to research projects involving complex adaptive system modeling and simulation in critical domains.
• Design, implement, and validate machine learning and LLM pipelines for real-world applications.
• Develop and articulate system-of-systems frameworks and adaptive feedback models.
• Serve as a key contributor to grant applications, progress reports, and external funding efforts.
• Independently conduct original research and align efforts with collaborative lab goals.
• Write peer-reviewed manuscripts and present research at national and international conferences.
• Seek funding for advancing personal areas of research.
• Solve interdisciplinary technical challenges using creative and domain-informed approaches.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to students, postdocs, and junior staff.
• Help lead day-to-day lab operations.
• Oversee robust data access and transformation processes using tools like SQL.
• Support lab operations including computing infrastructure, research planning, and collaborative engagements.
• Foster a lab culture that emphasizes innovation, ethical research, and open knowledge-sharing.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, or a closely related field.
• 1 + years' relevant experience in hands-on development of large language models (LLMs) and applied research in artificial intelligence, particularly in areas such as natural language processing or machine learning. Experience designing and implementing digital twins or simulation models for adaptive complex systems—such as in healthcare, infrastructure, or environmental systems—is essential.
• 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 visa status.
• Experience in contributing to grant development and peer reviewed journals. 
• Demonstrated experience building and training large language models.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing research labs or programs.
• Familiarity with systems modeling software or hybrid simulation environments.
• Demonstrated success in obtaining external funding.
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary teams, particularly in engineering, healthcare, or data science sectors.

 

Work Location: Knoxville, TN – onsite

 

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR11
• Anticipated hiring range: $70,000 – $77,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

 

About the College of Nursing 

With a longstanding tradition of excellence in nursing education, research, and clinical practice, we are proud to be a guiding force in healthcare education. We embrace innovation while honoring the values that have shaped our success. By offering cutting-edge academic programs, supporting impactful research, and forging strong community partnerships, we prepare healthcare professionals who deliver high-quality, culturally responsive care in a diverse and ever-changing world. Join the Vol Nurse Family! Get to know CON