Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Inorganic Chemistry and Rare-Earth Separations - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, IA

50d • $70,000 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves experimental research on rare-earth element separations, with emphasis on lanthanide coordination chemistry, liquid-liquid extraction, nanoparticle/colloid synthesis and self-assembly, and nanoscale characterization. The main tasks include preparing rare-earth-containing complexes and nanoassemblies, designing extraction and separation experiments, quantifying metal concentrations and separation factors using ICP-MS and/or ICP-OES, and characterizing particle size, morphology, and structure using techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and X-ray methods. Duties include technical interactions with undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to and developing research initiatives, writing peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, presenting research results, and technical management of research activities. The initial appointment would be a limited term appointment, approximately 1 year with the possibility of renewal for future years.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Strong experimental research record in inorganic, materials, or solution chemistry, including experience with synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles, colloids, supramolecular/self-assembled materials, or related solution-phase materials.
• Experience with quantitative analytical chemistry and demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments.
• A good publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Nice To Haves

• Rare-earth or f-element chemistry.
• Solvent extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, hydrometallurgy, or chemical separations.
• ICP-MS or ICP-OES; DLS and colloid characterization.
• TEM or SEM.
• SAXS/WAXS or other X-ray/neutron scattering techniques.
• X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS).
• Magnetic characterization.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and creatively in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams, set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving research needs.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct solution-phase inorganic chemistry, nanomaterial synthesis, and rare-earth extraction and separation experiments.
• Prepare and characterize lanthanide-containing complexes, colloids, nanoparticles, and self-assembled nanoassemblies.
• Perform quantitative elemental analysis using ICP-MS and/or ICP-OES; and apply techniques such as DLS, TEM/SEM, SAXS/WAXS, XAS, and related methods as appropriate.
• Develop reproducible experimental and data-analysis workflows that connect composition, coordination chemistry, nanoscale structure, and separation selectivity.
• Support separation experiments and participate in synchrotron or neutron user-facility measurements as needed.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams, mentor students, publish papers in high-quality refereed journals, and actively collaborate with researchers in academia, government laboratories, and other partner organizations.

Benefits

• Work-life balance
• Compensation
• Innovation leadership
• Career development and coaching
• Continued education
• Extensive list of development and training possibilities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree