Job Details

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Microbiology - UTK

Position Number: 6547146
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Microbiology - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 4952
Job Category: Research
Posting Date: 09/04/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1311 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
The Clasen lab in the Department of Microbiology at UTK is seeking a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in adaptive/cell-mediated immunology.

The lab studies the relationship between the host immune system and the commensal microbes that colonize the intestinal tract. We seek to understand how the host tolerates these organisms and what conditions break tolerance. To address these questions, we employ a combination of techniques in molecular biology and immunology, next generation sequencing, and in vitro and in vivo models.

This position is well-suited for an individual with research experience studying mucosal immunity who has strong communication and organizational skills and enjoys working in a team environment.

For more information, contact Dr. Clasen: sclasen@utk.edu

Salary for this full-time position is commensurate with skills and experience and is eligible for benefits from the University of Tennessee.

Responsibilities
This position entails contributing to the daily operations of the lab. Specific responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Ordering and maintaining lab supplies
Organizing and maintaining lab space and databases
Supporting new lab members and experimental projects

This position will be expected to perform and troubleshoot experiments and maintain detailed laboratory records. Techniques may include, but are not limited to:

Mouse organ dissection and preparation of cells and tissues for downstream assays
Protein analysis (ELISA, western blot, immunoprecipitation)
Cell analysis (cell sorting/separation, flow cytometry)
Bacterial culturing (aerobic and anaerobic)
Molecular biology techniques (cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR)
Microscopy
Cell culture (2D and 3D)

This position must be willing to work with animals and will be expected to maintain mouse colonies. Specific responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Serving as the primary health contact for animals
Maintaining a detailed inventory of mouse colonies and ongoing breeding
Tagging, weaning, and genotyping mice

Qualifications
Minimum Required Education and Experience:

Doctoral degree in an immunology-related field

Minimum Required Skills and Abilities:

Ability to be respectful, collegial, and work well with colleagues from diverse backgrounds
Understanding of basic laboratory safety procedures
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to work with animals
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the duties/responsibilities
Flow cytometry/FACS experience
Routine molecular biology/immunology techniques
Animal handling experience

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of T cell biology

Additional Information:

To apply, please submit the following documents with the online application, along with emailing Dr. Sara Clasen (sclasen@utk.edu) the requested documents. Email subject line should read "Research Assistant Position."

CV
Contact information for three professional references

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

About Us
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.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/4952/?mode=location