Collaborating Scientists hold a primary appointment, either at UT in an academic department or at ORNL in a research divisions. Their second appointment is in the remaining cooperating institution. ORNL research division and UT academic departments agree on the percent time a Collaborating Scientist will give to each institution and split salary and research costs of that scientist accordingly. This program is particularly valuable in recruiting energetic young scientists who desire strong academic connections with all the advantages of large national laboratory instrumentation. No new state or federal funds support Collaborating Scientist appointments, however, the program simplifies the use of existing funds to create joint posts.
Appointments vary in number and length.