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

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

1d

About The Position

The Evolutionary Mechanics Lab (https://eeb.utk.edu/people/michael-granatosky/
[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.
[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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• access to career development and coaching
• continued education
• extensive list of development and training possibilities

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed