University of Tennessee
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Synthetic Organic Chemistry - UTK
🇺🇸Knoxville, Tennessee, United States3 days ago
$72,000 – $78,000Full Time
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.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
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,
Preparing intermediates and analyzing compounds, and
A record of peer‑reviewed publications in organic synthesis, separations science or radiopharmaceutical development.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Candidates should be familiar with ligand design for metal separations
Experience with advanced analytical methods such as NMR, LC/MS, GC and spectroscopy.
Excellent communication skills, teamwork and mentoring ability are essential
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience:
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
Work Location
Location: Knoxville, TN
Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
Anticipated hiring range: $72,000 - $78,000
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit:
A letter of interest
Curriculum vitae
For questions or inquiries, please contact Prof. Ilja Popovs, email: ipopovs@utk.edu.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
