Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Fall 2027 (Materials Discipline)

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK; https://chem.utk.edu/) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Chemistry in Materials Chemistry. The anticipated start date for the position is August 1, 2027. The successful candidate will have established an exemplary record of research that includes significant contributions to the candidate’s field of study and that is indicative of future promise.

These qualities can be demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, citation statistics, invited and contributed talks, evidence of leadership roles, and the candidate’s Statement of Research. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally recognized, externally-funded research program in the Department and provide training to undergraduate and graduate students.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the teaching mission for the Department. We are looking for candidates committed to effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, as well as, to innovation in the development of curricula and teaching methods. These qualities are demonstrated through the candidate’s pedagogical experience as articulated in the Statement of Teaching.

The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the goals of the University. The University is engaged in a next-level initiative aimed both at substantially elevating the University's national reputation for impactful research, scholarship, and creative activity and at assembling a roster of faculty committed to delivering one of the nation's best educational experiences for undergraduates and graduate students.

UTK is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system. Faculty in the Department of Chemistry have the opportunity to work alongside and collaborate with researchers across our campuses, as well as at the nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Y-12 National Security Complex. The City of Knoxville has a beautiful and walkable downtown, varied nightlife, active neighborhoods, and eclectic shopping and restaurants.

Knoxville and UTK are located within easy driving distance to Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

While experimental Materials Chemistry is broadly defined, experimental chemists with interests in solid state, quantum, and soft materials are strongly encouraged to apply. Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor requires a completed Ph.D. degree in chemistry at time of application, and at least one full year of postdoctoral research experience is required.

All candidates should submit a single pdf document containing the following: (1) Cover letter addressing why this position is of interest; (2) Curriculum vitae including, at the end, names and contact information (institutions, phones, emails, and websites if available) of at least three references; (3) Statement of research plans with a proposed startup budget and budget justifications (maximum 8 pages including references); (4) Brief statement of teaching philosophy (maximum 2 pages).

Applicants should apply at http://apply.interfolio.com/191908 . They should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to this site. Review of applications will begin on October 5, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Search Chair, Bin Zhao, bzhao@utk.edu. This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search.

Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.