Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science UTIA

This position is part of a cutting-edge project investigating the conversion of nitrogen in air to nitrogen fertilizer using plasma technologies and the practical applications.

The successful candidate will contribute to multiple aspects of the project including:

• Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of chemical reactions in plasma environments
• Development of catalysts tailored for plasma-assisted processes
• System integration and performance optimization

• Techno-economic analysis of the developed systems

The successful candidate is expected to conduct experiments outlined in the job description to analyze data and to write project reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications. They will also contribute to multiple aspects of the project including:

• Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of chemical reactions in plasma environments
• Development of catalysts tailored for plasma-assisted processes
• System integration and performance optimization

• Techno-economic analysis of the developed systems

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Solid understanding of plasma physics and chemistry.
• Demonstrated experience in applied chemical catalysis.
• Hands-on experience with high-voltage plasma technologies.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong motivation independence and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas will be strongly preferred:

• Electrical characterization of plasma discharges.
• Plasma diagnostics via optical emission or Raman spectroscopy.
• Chemical product analysis (e.g. GC UV-Vis FTIR).
• Application of AI or machine learning techniques to reaction system optimization.
• Techno-economic analysis.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions:

We are accepting applications from now until March 1 2026. Interested applicants should submit the following documentsas a single PDF file named using your last name and date in the following order:

1. Cover Letter detailing your research achievements and interests
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Names and contact information for at least three professional references

For application or inquiry about the position please contact:

Prof. X. Philip Ye

Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science University of Tennessee Knoxville TN 37996

Email:

Voice:

About The College/Department/Division:

• Please visit the department website: Experience:

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