Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

22h • $45,000 - $50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Evolutionary Mechanics Lab ( https://eeb.utk.edu/people/michael-granatosky/ ) in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, led by Dr. Michael Granatosky, is seeking a motivated postdoctoral research associate to conduct comparative biomechanical and evolutionary research. The successful candidate will contribute to broad research themes in the lab, including the evolution of locomotor strategies, the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal mechanisms that underlie movement, and the ways animals meet novel biomechanical challenges in both natural and experimental contexts. Current efforts in the lab explore locomotor trade-offs across species, behavioral and mechanical strategies of injury compensation, and the anatomical and functional bases of performance. Additional information about ongoing work can be found on Dr. Granatosky’s EEB profile (link above) and ResearchGate page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Granatosky. The preferred start date for this position is August 1, 2026 . Funding is available for an initial one year, and the position may be renewed for up to one additional year (maximum of two years total), contingent upon performance and the availability of funding. Extensions beyond two years would require the acquisition of additional external funding. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• A PhD in organismal biology, biomechanics, comparative anatomy, evolutionary biology, or a closely related field. Applicants who are ABD will be considered, provided that all PhD requirements are completed by the start date (e.g., degree in hand by August).
• Knowledge of comparative biomechanics, evolutionary biology, and statistical/computational approaches relevant to biomechanical datasets.
• Skill in data collection and processing, including the use of high-speed videography, force plates, electromyography, metabolic systems, or morphometric methods.
• Ability to design reproducible experiments and analyze complex data using coding environments such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
• A strong record of publication demonstrating the ability to bring projects to completion.
• Ability to mentor student researchers and contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment.
• Ability to contribute to the development of external funding proposals.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred knowledge of advanced biomechanical modeling methods (e.g., musculoskeletal modeling, multibody dynamics, finite element analysis).
• Preferred knowledge of imaging techniques such as CT/μCT, ultrasound, or XROMM.
• Preferred skill in working with live animals, especially bats or small vertebrates, and supporting data collection at zoos or field sites.

Responsibilities

• Experimental design
• Data collection and analysis
• Manuscript preparation
• Participation in the development of external funding proposals
• Provide mentorship to undergraduate and graduate researchers in the lab
• Contribute to maintaining a collaborative, productive research environment
• Travel to zoos, field sites, or partner institutions for data collection and outreach

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree