Coupled Extreme Environment Testing – Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Spring 2025

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor to contribute to cutting-edge research in materials testing for fusion energy applications. This position requires a PhD and offers a collaborative environment at the Tennessee Ion Beam Materials Laboratory. The successful candidate will engage in high-level research, accelerate material testing, and support educational goals by mentoring graduate students. A competitive startup package and comprehensive benefits are included.

Benefits

Competitive startup package

Support for PhD students

Typical benefits of exempt employees

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant engineering or sciences required, with significant post-doctoral research experience.
• Expertise in ion beam technologies and advanced materials characterization techniques.
• Ability to secure funding and mentor graduate students preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop materials for coupled extreme environments focused on fusion applications.
• Conduct accelerated testing and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.
• Engage in research that directly supports the UT-ORII project's objectives.

Skills

Research experience

Collaboration

Advanced characterization

Laser-based analysis

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Physics

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

X-ray microscopy

Electron microscopy

Ion beam analysis

Job description

Coupled Extreme Environment Testing – Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Spring 2025

Join to apply for the Coupled Extreme Environment Testing – Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Spring 2025 role at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Coupled Extreme Environment Testing – Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Spring 2025

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Coupled Extreme Environment Testing – Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Spring 2025 role at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

The University of Tennessee has an opening for a Research Assistant/Associate Professor in the area of Materials Testing for Coupled Extreme Fusion Environments. The successful candidate will be working with a new University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) project developing materials for extreme applications with a focus on fusion environments.

This work will be focused on developing new capabilities for testing materials response to coupled extreme environment where high temperature, irradiation, plasma erosion, magnetic field, or combinations thereof are present. The research focus shall encompass the testing of materials in highly controlled, coupled environments at the Tennessee Ion Beam Materials Laboratory (TIBML).

This position will be focused on accelerating testing of new materials systems of interest to fusion energy systems utilizing ion irradiation, gas implantation, laser heating, small scale mechanical testing, and pump-probe laser-based analysis. The testing of these materials will be part of a larger set of experiment-theory feedback loops evaluating magnetic properties, mechanical properties, radiation resistance, and high temperature performance. The work will also be closely coupled with modeling efforts providing insight and assistance with the experimental conditions and the materials that will be investigated.

The research faculty will work collaboratively with a team of faculty, postdoctoral associates, and students in Nuclear Engineering (NE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), and Physics, as well as scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Required

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or other discipline related to development of Materials for Extremes.
• Significant research experience following the doctoral degree is desired, with a documented publication record.
• Extensive research experience in particle physics and the application of ion accelerator for materials related research.
• Additional research experience in areas that support the extreme materials mission of the UTORII project focused on fusion applications including, but not limited to:
• Advanced characterization of material atomic structures and microstructures utilizing X-ray and electron microscopy-based techniques.
• Expertise in various ion beam analysis techniques of materials.
• Thermo-mechanical property measurements supporting Processing-Structure-Property-Performance feedback loops.
• Interrogation of materials under extreme temperature, magnetic fields, and/or radiation exposures.
• Expertise in laser-based analysis of materials.
• This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
  
  

Preferred

• Candidates with experience in more than one discipline, or interest in collaboration across these disciplines, are preferred. However, candidates who can define a unique area are also encouraged.
• Experience with obtaining funding and student mentoring is beneficial.
  
  

Additional Information About Position

• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
• The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• 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 after the third year) 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.
• Continuation of the position will depend on the success of the hire and the team in attracting multi-year funding.
• A competitive startup package including support for PhD students and budget for 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.
  
  

Interested applicants should send inquiries to Prof. Khalid Hattar (TIBML director) and Prof. Brian Wirth (Governor’s Chair Professor in Computational Nuclear Engineering) at [e-mail] and [e-mail], respectively.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. All application materials must be submitted to Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/148009.

Applications Must Include

• Letter of interest
• Comprehensive curriculum vitae
• Research statement outlining previous and future directions
• Mentoring statement
• List of contact information for at least three professional references.
  
  

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, and Circular Bioeconomy Systems. To learn more about UT-ORII visit utorii.com.

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.

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 accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or [e-mail] or [phone]. 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 & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or [phone] or [e-mail].

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Higher Education

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of Tennessee, Knoxville by 2x

Get notified about new Research Assistant Associate jobs in Oak Ridge, TN.

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

Modeling Plasma Material Interactions in Fusion Reactors - Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Assistant/Associate Professor and Fruit Extension Specialist

Computational Reactor Physics and Cross Section Methods Associate R&D Staff Member

Assistant/Associate Professor Tenure-Track, Public Health

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Geothermal Energy Techno-Economic Analysis for Roadmap Extension

Assistant, Associate or Full Professor - Weed Science Pastures, Horticultural Crops and Non-Crop Areas

Assistant Director of Global Research, Innovation and Partnerships Center for Global Engagement - UT

Knoxville, TN $73,000.00-$83,000.00 1 month ago

Assistant or Associate Professor of Marketing (1 position), Fall 2026

Veterinary Diagnostic Endocrinologist Faculty

Architecture for Advanced Manufacturing for Affordable Building Construction - Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Industrial Engineering for Advanced Manufacturing for Affordable Building Construction - Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Sociology of Circular Bioeconomy Systems - Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Civil Engineering for Advanced Manufacturing for Affordable Building Construction - Research Assistant/Associate/Professor

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.