The Lindsey Burcham Lab in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate to study bacterial physiology and microbe–microbe interactions important for maternal-fetal and pediatric health. Current focus includes community members of the vaginal microbiota, including Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus), Lactobacillus spp., etc. and their impacts on microbial colonization, persistence, and host response. We utilize combined approaches in microbial genetics, microbial physiology, analytical techniques, animal husbandry and in vivo models, clinical sample and data collection, advanced imaging, microbial community analyses, and transcriptomics to explore host-microbe interactions across diverse host environments.
The successful candidate will lead high-impact projects, develop skills in scientific mentorship and communication, contribute to authoring and reviewing manuscripts and grant-proposals, and will contribute to collaborative projects with colleagues internal to UTK, at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Knoxville, and/or external or international colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Work as a productive and considerate member of the research team
- Lead the design and execution of rigorous in vitro and in vivo experiments
- Maintain highly detailed and organized experimental data and protocols
- Contribute to writing, editing, and reviewing manuscripts
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees
- Apply for internal and external funding calls
- Distribute findings at regional, national, and international conferences
- Contribute to the collaborative research ongoing in the L. Burcham lab
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Education:
PhD in microbiology, biology, immunology, genomics, or closely related field by the start date.
Experience:
Experience performing microbial or eukaryotic genetic manipulation
Experience in aseptic technique, microbial cultivation, microbial metabolism, tissue culture, animal models, or immunology
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to work productively as a member of a team.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate science in both written and oral format.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Formal training in statistical analyses or microbiome analyses
Experience:
Experience in designing, executing, and analyzing transcriptomics data
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Interest in microbial ecology or ecosystem interactions
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and ability to independently drive projects to completion
Work Location
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
Anticipated hiring range: $60,000-$63,000
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before May 1, 2026.
- CV
- Cover Letter
About The Department
The Department of Microbiology values the quality of life of all its members, and we are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse community and to supporting the intercultural goals of the University. Knoxville is an exciting and affordable city that has undergone a vibrant civic revitalization over the past several years and is being recognized as one of the most exciting up-and-coming regions in the country. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a broad spectrum of educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities.
Company
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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
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!