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The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) seeks highly qualified research faculty candidates to advance the knowledge and application of Economics in Circular Bioeconomy Systems. The ideal candidate will advance sustainability goals through economic analyses of water and nutrient-efficient crop varieties, resistant to pests and environmental stresses, and novel technology and/or crop adoption with the goal of enhancing biomass yields, carbon sequestration, and soil health. Expertise in dynamic optimization, cost-benefit analysis, and policy evaluation in the context of circular bioeconomy systems is preferred. We see a successful candidate in this position to advance Circular Bioeconomy Systems (CBS). 

This position will be associated with UT-ORII’s CBS Convergent Research Initiative (CRI), whose mission is to address current and future challenges in the economics of circular bioeconomy systems. The CBS CRI will include ~20 member investigators from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). The position’s faculty appointment will be with UT-ORII at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

CBS research faculty will collaborate on laboratory experiments and reporting, proposal preparation and submission, provide support for existing research projects, and mentor students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Four anchor investigators of the project will provide mentoring and necessary infrastructure to the hire. Applicants will be considered at all faculty ranks.

Required:

• Ph.D. in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental and Resource Economics, or a related discipline.


• A familiarity with the production of the agricultural and forestry sectors.


• Research experience in areas that support UT-ORII’s Circular Bioeconomy Systems mission, including, but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Sustainable crop production
  
  
  • Resource use efficiency
  
  
  • Cost-Benefit analysis
  
  
  • Ecosystem services valuation
  
  
  • Dynamic programming
  
  
  • Rural community development impacts and needs
  
  
  
  


• A track record in publications.


• A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired, though an ‘on-ramp’ through collaboration with more senior investigators is also encouraged.


• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment.


• This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

Preferred:

• Experience mentoring students and junior researchers.


• Experience in grant writing/funding.


• Experience in more than one discipline or interest in collaboration across relevant disciplines.

Additional Information

• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.


• The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.


• The primary work location for this position is on the UTIA campus in Knoxville and may include visits to collaborator sites on the campuses of ORNL and UTK.


• The position will be implemented as an initial three-year contract with full salary support for the first year, followed by a gradual decrease in salary coverage such that the successful applicant will receive 50% salary support in year 5 (if renewed) and is expected to receive extramural funding by year 3 or earlier.


• The applicant will be expected to work with multiple graduate students by year three.


• A competitive startup package, including funds for graduate students and equipment, will be offered. 


• Salary and title/rank will be determined commensurate with experience.


• Benefits will be typical of exempt employees at the University of Tennessee.

Application reviews will begin October 15, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. All required application materials must be submitted to Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/154953

Required Application Materials:

• a letter of interest


• a comprehensive curriculum vitae


• a research plan


• a list of at least three professional references, including their complete contact information

If you have questions about the position please contact search chair Dr. Edward Yu at tyu1@utk.edu.

More About UT-ORII

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute was launched by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2021, in response to America’s need for a stronger pool of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and increasingly life science talent.

UT-ORII is leveraging UT and ORNL’s best capabilities and resources to accelerate collaborative discovery, innovation, and interdisciplinary graduate education; and to prepare the next generation of talent in areas of critical importance to the nation and the State of Tennessee. The institute’s current research areas include Clean Manufacturing and Advanced Materials, Energy Storage and Transportation, Radiopharmaceutical Therapies, and Circular Bioeconomy Systems. To learn more about UT-ORII visit utorii.com.

More About UTIA

The UT Institute of Agriculture is at the core of the University of Tennessee’s land-grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach. We fulfill that mission through the impactful work of outstanding faculty, staff, and students. Research has been and continues to be the engine that drives our expanding bioeconomy, generating scientific innovations and insights for the next generation of agriculture and natural resource management professionals. To learn more about UTIA visit https://utia.tennessee.edu.

More About ORNL

Leveraging the talents of its world-class researchers and exceptional support staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping solve critical scientific and technical challenges and, in so doing, creating economic opportunity for the nation.

ORNL provides access to unique facilities, laboratories, and equipment, drawing thousands of visiting researchers each year. To learn more about ORNL visit https://www.ornl.gov.