Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Synthetic Organic Chemistry - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The department of Nuclear Engineering within the Tickle College of Engineering is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate in the field of Synthetic Organic Chemistry. This role centers on experimental research in the design, synthesis and application of novel small ‑ molecule ligands for separating lanthanide, actinide and medically important radioisotopes. The synthetic chemist will plan and execute organic synthesis projects, developing multi ‑ step routes to new chelators or extractants and optimizing reaction conditions to maximize yield and selectivity. They will prepare novel chelators and perform structure–activity studies to understand how molecular modifications affect metal binding, radiolabeling efficiency and physicochemical stability. The chemist will characterize products using techniques such as NMR, LC ‑ MS, ICP ‑ MS and other spectroscopies, and evaluate the separation performance of these ligands under relevant environmental and radiological conditions. This includes designing liquid–liquid extraction, chromatographic or membrane ‑ assisted tests to measure selectivity, permeability and stability for f ‑ element separations, then using those results to support mechanistic studies of ion–ligand interactions. For radiopharmaceutical applications the researcher will synthesize radiolabeling precursors and participate in labeling and imaging experiments. The position requires collaboration with a multidisciplinary team across the University of Tennessee, including mentoring graduate students, maintaining thorough laboratory records, preparing technical reports and peer ‑ reviewed publications, and contributing to proposals and future research initiatives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, radiochemistry, materials chemistry or a closely related field
• Demonstrated expertise in multi-step small-molecule synthesis and analytical characterization
• Experience designing and executing complex organic syntheses
• Experience preparing intermediates and analyzing compounds
• A record of peer-reviewed publications in organic synthesis, separations science or radiopharmaceutical development
• Familiarity with ligand design for metal separations
• Experience with advanced analytical methods such as NMR, LC/MS, GC and spectroscopy
• Excellent communication skills
• Teamwork ability
• Mentoring ability

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with separation science involving rare-earth and actinide elements or harsh chemical environments
• Experience with radiolabeling chemistry and bioorthogonal reactions
• Demonstrated ability to innovate in ligand or materials design

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute organic synthesis projects
• Develop multi-step routes to new chelators or extractants
• Optimize reaction conditions to maximize yield and selectivity
• Prepare novel chelators and perform structure–activity studies
• Characterize products using techniques such as NMR, LC–MS, ICP–MS and other spectroscopies
• Evaluate the separation performance of ligands under relevant environmental and radiological conditions
• Design liquid–liquid extraction, chromatographic or membrane-assisted tests
• Synthesize radiolabeling precursors
• Participate in labeling and imaging experiments
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team
• Mentor graduate students
• Maintain thorough laboratory records
• Prepare technical reports and peer-reviewed publications
• Contribute to proposals and future research initiatives

Benefits

• UT Benefits

What This Job Offers

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