The Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking applications to fill a faculty position at the Full Professor level starting August 1, 2023. This is the first of three hires to bolster UTK’s strength in the development and use of radioisotopes in all related fields, such as radiochemistry, isotope production, chemical modification of isotopes with biologically active molecules, pharmacology, and toxicology. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated research success in one or more of these areas with the vision to develop collaborative research activities, are committed to high-quality undergraduate and graduate student education, and possesses the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.
The radioisotopes cluster hire aligns well with the current initiatives at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII). At ORNL, $158M has recently been appropriated to construct a Stable Isotope Production and Research Center as well as a Radioisotope Processing Facility to expand domestic production of critical isotopes vital to the mission of many federal agencies, such as NIH, NASA, DoD, ODNI, NIST, DHS, NNSA, NSF, and others. The selected candidate will choose which TCE department they will join and partake in hiring two additional Professors at the Assistant and Associate levels. The long-term plan for this cluster hire includes 1) development of new radiochemistry labs including the incorporation of the nuclear engineering fast neutron flux facility and LINAC laboratories for radioisotope research and potential production, 2) development of enhanced radioisotope curriculum and establishment of a summer school in collaboration with partners at ORNL and UT-ORII, 3) expand partnerships with local hospitals, veterinary centers, and/or businesses with interests in isotope use and research, 4) establishment of transformational campus-based research center(s), and 5) identification of funding sources and development of plans for a charged-particle accelerator.
Applications should be submitted electronically at apply.interfolio.com/113636. Applications should include (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a select subset of publications, (3) a research statement outlining previous and future directions, including a vision statement for a transformational research center at UTK, (4) a teaching and mentoring statement, (5) a statement of how the applicant will support diversity and inclusion at UTK, (6) a letter articulating the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for this position, and (7) the names of three to five references with at least one from a previous trainee. Applications will be reviewed continuously, but those received by January 31, 2023 will receive priority. Any additional questions may be sent to Dr. Eric Lukosi (search committee chair) at elukosi AT utk.edu.