Biomass Preprocessing and Biobased Composite Recycling for Circular Bioeconomy Systems - Resear...

Biomass Preprocessing and Biobased Composite Recycling for Circular Bioeconomy Systems - Research Assistant / Associate / Full Professor

Location : Knoxville, TN

Open Date : Sep 16, 2024

Close Date : Feb 28, 2026

Description :

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) seeks highly qualified research faculty candidates to advance the fundamental science and engineering of chemical, biological, and / or mechanical preprocessing and recycling of biomass and biobased materials and composites. The goal is to develop innovative and efficient technologies for implementation in biorefineries. Research interests for this position include :

• Elucidating complex interactions between constitutive elements in man-made or natural polymeric composites (e.g., lignocellulosic biomass).
• Developing new tools to experimentally measure mechanical properties of these materials during preprocessing and recycling in relevant industrial systems.
• Enhancing the engineering knowledge required to design reliable preprocessing and recycling systems for biomass and biobased materials and composites.
• Creating efficient and sustainable approaches to chemically and / or biologically preprocess and recycle biopolymers back into their monomers.
• Advancing our ability to biologically and / or thermochemically recycle biobased composites into high-value products.

Roles and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to :

As a UT-ORII research faculty member, the successful candidate will collaborate with designated UT departments and researchers as well as ORNL researchers to address current and future low-emission and high-efficiency requirements for CBS. This includes conducting research, preparing and submitting proposals, supporting existing research projects, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Qualifications :

Required Qualifications :

Preprocessing and fractionation of various agricultural and forestry biomass feedstocks for further upgrading to value-added chemicals and materials for CBS and other systems in the bioeconomy.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications :

Additional Information

Application Instructions :

Application reviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. All required application materials must be submitted to Interfolio at http : / / apply.interfolio.com / 154632.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications must include :

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement :

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to  eoa@utk.edu , or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to  investigations@utk.edu , or by phone at 865-974-0717.