The University of Tennessee Knoxville Wanted Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Industrial Engineering for 2025

Job Description

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is inviting applications for Research Faculty Positions (Research Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) in Industrial Engineering for Advanced Manufacturing. These positions are part of the Advanced Manufacturing for Affordable Building Construction initiative, a major interdisciplinary effort to revolutionize the building sector through affordability, energy efficiency, resilience, and productivity.

Organization Profile

UT-ORII is a joint initiative of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The institute focuses on convergent research across multiple disciplines and is currently advancing innovation in fields such as energy, bioeconomy, advanced materials, and clean manufacturing.

Job Title:

Research Assistant / Associate / Full Professor – Industrial Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing for Affordable Building Construction)
Department Hiring: UT-ORII, University of Tennessee – Knoxville

Position Description:

The successful candidate will contribute to the Buildings Convergent Research Initiative (Buildings CRI). This interdisciplinary role emphasizes automation, robotics, and industrialized construction methods to transform the U.S. building industry.
Key Responsibilities Include:

• Develop industrial optimization models for productivity, safety, affordability, and quality
• Integrate robotics and automated quality assurance into construction workflows
• Collaborate with state agencies to optimize construction code compliance
• Build partnerships across UT, ORNL, and the construction industry
• Conduct funded research, publish results, and mentor graduate/undergraduate students
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and proposal development

Qualifications Required:

• Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Robotics, AI, or a related field
• Demonstrated research and funding track record
• Collaborative experience aligned with the Building’s CRI mission
• U.S. clearance eligibility for ORNL site access
  Desired:
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Clear path toward independent research leadership

Additional Information:

• 12-month, non-tenure track appointment with full salary support for Year 1
• Three-year initial contract with competitive startup package
• Location: UT Knoxville, with visits to ORNL as needed
• Graduate student recruitment expected by Year 3
• Salary and rank commensurate with experience
• Benefits as per the University of Tennessee standards

Location:

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

How to Apply:

Application Materials Required:

• Letter of Interest
• Comprehensive CV
• Research Plan
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References (with names, addresses, and phone numbers)
  Application Review Begins: June 1, 2025
  Deadline: Open until filled
  Contact: Prof. Mingzhou Jin – jin@utk.edu

Important Link:

Official Notification: Click Here