Post-doctoral Research Associate: College of Nursing - UTK

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing announces an opening for a pediatric post-doctoral researcher to join our research team under the direct mentorship of Dr. Lisa C. Lindley. The candidate will be provided advanced training in methods (e.g., stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, advanced statistics); healthcare delivery and policy (e.g., state & federal Medicaid hospice benefit, key stakeholder advocacy); and communications (e.g., dissemination, digital scholarship, grant writing) with a focus on aging-out/transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare.  

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is an R1, top-tier research institute. Post-doctoral researchers participate in research and research training, while receiving mentorship to advance their program of research. The fellowship program is 2 years in duration with a renewal after the first year. Our research group is focused on pediatric serious illness and the selected person will work on funded projects. This position is available at a distance. 

Research fellowship program includes:

• Mentorship with Experienced Investigator
• Interdisciplinary Research Training and Experience
• Professional Development Opportunities 
• Research Methods Training
• Scientific and Grant Writing Enhancement
• Advocacy/Policy Focused Activities 
• Didactic Seminars

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research and develop a competitive grant proposal. 

• Design and test your own research project directed at adolescents transitioning out of pediatric serious illness care. 

• Collaborate with healthcare professionals and domain experts to identify ideal intervention components for your selected population and focus. 

• Present research findings and results through conference presentations, research papers, and internal reports. 

• Participate in academic and industry collaborations to foster knowledge exchange and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in serious illness care, rural health, and advanced statistics.

• Mentor and collaborate with graduate students and junior researchers, providing guidance and support in their research activities. 

• Assist in grant writing and project proposal development to secure external funding for research initiatives. 

• Assist in the management of ongoing funded research.

• Assists in project direction under senior researcher supervision.  

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned health-related doctorate (preference for nursing)
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, inter-personal, and time-management skills are required.

Work Location: 1200 Volunteer Blvd Knoxville, TN 37996 or Remote

Duration:  2 years

Compensation:

• Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 – $70,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

For best consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, three letters of recommendation, and a sample published manuscript before October 19th, 2026.  Specific questions about the position may be sent to Lisa Lindley llindley@utk.edu.

About the College of Nursing 

With a longstanding tradition of excellence in nursing education, research, and clinical practice, we are proud to be a guiding force in healthcare education. We embrace innovation while honoring the values that have shaped our success. By offering cutting-edge academic programs, supporting impactful research, and forging strong community partnerships, we prepare healthcare professionals who deliver high-quality, culturally responsive care in a diverse and ever-changing world. Join the Vol Nurse Family! Get to know CON