BME AssistantAssociateFull Professor (12)

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for multiple tenure-line faculty positions at the Assistant Associate and Full Professor levels starting in 2026. Tenure upon initial appointment may be considered for qualified applicants. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the identity of the BME department expand its research strengths and enrich its academic programs. The BME department is central to the universitys strategic priority in Human Health and Wellness to expand high-demand educational opportunities. The new faculty hires will directly contribute to the colleges goals in student enrollment research innovation workforce development and external partnerships. We seek candidates whose research complements and expands BME and UTKs current strengths in biomechanics cardiovascular biomechanics and imaging prosthetics neuroscience biomaterials and robotics. Areas of interest include all aspects of biomedical engineering including but not limited to Cell and Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials. Preferred candidates should have a strong record of research accomplishment a clear vision for building collaborative and interdisciplinary research programs and a commitment to excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) has made biomedical research and human health a core institutional priority supported through strong partnerships with the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC). This collaboration provides a rich environment for translational research where engineering innovation connects directly with clinical expertise to advance diagnostics therapeutics medical devices and healthcare technologies. The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine offers additional collaboration opportunities and support for translational biomedical research through access to modernized animal housing facilities and histopathology services. Faculty in Biomedical Engineering will also benefit from access to UTKs Clinical Core Facility Program and the Center for Population Health (CPH) which provide state-of-the-art resources and infrastructure to support interdisciplinary research and accelerate the translation of discoveries from the laboratory to patient care. UTK is also a key partner in the Neuroscience Network of East Tennessee NeuroNET which fosters and supports cutting-edge research and training in brain sciences in collaboration with the UT Medical Center and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. These shared facilities and programs foster collaboration across engineering medicine and public health offering faculty unique opportunities to expand their research impact.

The Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) is in the midst of an unprecedented period of growth and success including adding over 30 new faculty to the college as part of ambitious hiring campaigns led by Chancellor Donde Plowman and Dean Matthew Mench. The college has set records in research expenditures enrollment incoming student GPA intellectual property development and USNWR rank in the past three years. New facilities include the state-of-the art Zeanah Engineering Complex the University of Tennessee Manufacturing and Design Enterprise (TN-MADE) facility and the Innovation South building now under construction that will house UTKs Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF).

TCE currently has 203 tenure/tenure track and 79 non-tenure track faculty in its nine academic departments and offers 11 undergraduate 16 MS and 15 PhD/DE degree programs. Affiliated with TCE and located in Tullahoma Tennessee the UT Space Institute is a hub of aerospace and defense research. The college is also home to eight research centers and three interdisciplinary institutes. With approximately 4300 undergraduate and 1500 graduate students the college sits 29th among public universities in the most recent U.S. News and World Report graduate rankings. Faculty in the college have won 29 early career awards (NSF DOE DARPA AFOSR and ARO) since 2016. In FY24 the college had annual research expenditures of $113.6M.

Knoxville TN is a vibrant city with a beautiful and walkable downtown active neighborhoods an effervescent nightlife that includes numerous theaters and museums a rich live music scene across all genres and eclectic restaurants. Knoxville is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains surrounded by lakes and the Tennessee River providing amazing access to various outdoor activities. Knoxville is within easy driving distance of four major metropolitan areas that regularly host larger cultural and entertainment events.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering or a closely related field. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in research through a strong publication record and show potential for leadership in their area of study. All candidates are expected to have strong communication skills and the potential to engage in multidisciplinary and collaborative research. All candidates must also demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States.

For the Assistant Professor position the successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain a vigorous externally funded research program in their area of expertise. Additional responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses mentoring students in research and contributing to departmental university and professional service activities.

For the Associate Professor position primary consideration will be given to applicants who have established a nationally recognized research program demonstrated success in teaching and mentoring students and articulated a compelling vision for future research at UTK. Candidates should also have a record of publishing in high-impact journals securing and managing externally funded research from federal and/or industrial sponsors and engaging in meaningful service to their professional community.

For the Full Professor position primary consideration will be given to applicants with an internationally recognized research program a distinguished record of teaching and mentoring and a clear forward-looking vision for advancing research at UTK. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a sustained record of high-impact publications substantial externally funded research leadership in large university research initiatives and significant professional service.