Post Doctoral Research Associate, Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology: UTIA

Work on bioengineering plants as a chassis to achieve a variety of functions, including biosensing, pharmaceutical production, nutrient biofortification, and remediation of environmental chemicals. The goals of these projects will be to reimagine plants as engineered devices capable of achieving complex non-native functions. Direct experience in plant bioengineering or biotechnology is not required; however, competitive applicants will have experience in bioengineering at least one chassis organism. Yeast and bacterial systems are commonly used to validate components or assemble constructs prior to final installation in plants. Applicants should have strong experience in cloning, circuit design, and bioengineering with relevant publications to demonstrate their expertise.

CASB is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research facility working on a variety of projects. CASB maintains a large portfolio of high-throughput instrumentation, including 4 automated liquid handling systems, a cell-sorter, a flow cytometer, a complete sequencing hub, microscopy facility, and LC/MS. As the projects are high-risk, high-reward, and focused on achieving aggressive milestones, applicants must be capable of thinking 'outside the box' and meeting designated deadlines. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

(Hiring Multiple Positions)

Research related to bioengineering plants as a chassis to achieve a variety of functions, including biosensing, pharmaceutical production, nutrient biofortification, and remediation of environmental chemicals.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, bioengineering or a related-field. Candidates who are in process of obtaining the degree may be considered but degree must be conferred by Summer 2026 with official transcript provided as verification. Applicants must have demonstrated experience (publications) in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field to be considered for these positions. Preference will be given to applicants with strong publication records, considerable drive and motivation, and excellent problem-solving skills.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Post-Doctorate by Summer 2026 in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, bioengineering or a related field , with official transcript provided as verification.
• Experience: Publications in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, bioengineering or a related field/strong experience in cloning, circuit design, and bioengineering with relevant publications to demonstrate their expertise.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Plant Bioengineering or Plant Biotechnology. willing to work in a team environment with a diversity of people. must be capable of thinking 'outside the box' and meeting designated deadlines.

Work Location:

• Location: On-site at The University of Tennessee Agricultural Campus

Compensation and Benefits:

Application Instructions:

1) a cover letter stating the applicant's research experience, interests and possible starting date, 2) a CV, and 3) the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references.

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

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

CASB is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research facility working on a variety of projects. CASB maintains a large portfolio of high-throughput instrumentation, including 4 automated liquid handling systems, a cell-sorter, a flow cytometer, a complete sequencing hub, microscopy facility, and LC/MS.