Postdoctoral Scholar-Surgery (Knoxville)

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

2d

About The Position

The Department of Surgery- Knoxville at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar. This position participates in a broad and innovative research portfolio spanning translational, preclinical, and clinical domains. Ongoing projects include biomedical engineering applications in surgery, the production of new medical devices, basic science investigations, animal models, and clinical research, including large registry-based retrospective studies and both single- and multi-institution randomized controlled trials. The Postdoctoral Scholar will gain close mentorship from faculty within our Department of Surgery and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including medical device engineers, basic science faculty, statisticians, and clinical researchers. THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION FUNDED FROM August 2026 – August 2028

Requirements

• EDUCATION: MD or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• EXPERIENCE: Prior research experience in basic science, clinical research, or biomedical engineering is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates research activities from protocol development through study closeout, including drafting and updating study documents, preparing and maintaining IRB submissions, and ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance and required documentation.
• Manages day-to-day study operations by organizing data collection, maintaining secure and accurate data workflows, and supporting statistical analysis, tables/figures, and routine progress reporting to investigators and stakeholders.
• Contributes to the dissemination of findings by assisting with abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations for national and international scientific meetings.
• Supports grant writing and other research funding applications by identifying appropriate opportunities, coordinating timelines and requirements, and assisting with the preparation of key proposal components and supporting documents.
• Collaborates with faculty, residents, medical students, and interdisciplinary collaborators to coordinate communication and meetings, support trainee involvement, and help keep research activities organized and progressing on schedule.
• Actively participates in academic conferences, lab meetings, and research seminars by engaging in regular scientific discussions, sharing project updates, and contributing to the exchange of ideas that advance ongoing research efforts.
• Attends internal and external educational and research forums, prepares and delivers presentations as appropriate, and provides thoughtful feedback on study design, methods, and interpretation of results.
• Remains current with emerging literature and best practices, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and communicating relevant updates and takeaways to the broader research team to support continuous improvement and alignment with departmental research priorities.

What This Job Offers

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