Department Chair of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science #00097950

About the Department

The Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science (NERS) department at Missouri S&T offers the only B.S. program in Nuclear Engineering in the State of Missouri. Its educational mission is to provide students with career-focused opportunities in nuclear engineering, nuclear energy, medical applications of radiation, nuclear nonproliferation, radiation science applications, and related fields. The department aims to become a nationally recognized leader in small modular reactors, micro reactor development, medical imaging, radiotherapy, and materials under extreme environments.

The department is home to 10 faculty members, nearly 300 undergraduate students, and 35 graduate students (including 20 Ph.D. students). It operates the Missouri S&T Reactor (MSTR), a 200 kW MTR-type reactor used for student training and research since 1961. Faculty and students also have access to the 10 MW Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR), the highest-power university-owned reactor in the U.S.

About the Role

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) seeks a visionary and entrepreneurial academic leader for the position of Department Chair of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science (NERS). This role offers a rare opportunity to guide a department poised for significant growth in student enrollment and research activity.

The incoming chair will lead the department during a period of rapid advancement, supported by a multi-million-dollar investment to upgrade and expand the 200 kW MTR-type nuclear reactor. Modernized laboratory facilities and the addition of a NuScale E2 Simulator position the department at the forefront of experiential nuclear engineering education.

A key strategic priority for the chair will be leading the university’s “PowerPlex” initiative, an ambitious effort to establish advanced nuclear capabilities on campus, including the development of a microreactor and integrated thermal energy management systems. This initiative is supported by a newly formed advisory board of industry and government experts, providing a strong external network for collaboration.

The department and university benefit from a recently established SUPER agreement with Idaho National Laboratory, creating expanded opportunities for collaborative research, workforce development, and engagement. The successful candidate will join a dynamic academic environment with the resources, partnerships, and institutional commitment to build a nationally and internationally prominent program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic vision to elevate the department’s national and international reputation in nuclear engineering education and research.
• Lead large-scale, interdisciplinary initiatives such as reactor modernization and emerging nuclear energy systems.
• Build and sustain productive partnerships with federal and state agencies, national laboratories, and industry stakeholders.
• Support faculty development, including mentoring and enabling faculty to expand research productivity and scholarly impact.
• Engage alumni, donors, and external partners to enhance philanthropic support and diversify revenue streams.
• Manage complex departmental operations and drive organizational growth.

Requirements

• Terminal degree in nuclear engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Record of achievement commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor at Missouri S&T.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute a strategic vision for academic and research growth.
• Proven record of advancing research innovation and leading large-scale initiatives.
• Experience building partnerships with federal/state agencies, national laboratories, and industry.
• Strong commitment to faculty development and mentoring.
• Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience in an academic or research environment.

About the University

Missouri S&T is one of the nation’s leading research universities, offering over 100-degree programs in 39 disciplines. Founded in 1870, it is located in Rolla, Missouri, a vibrant and safe community surrounded by the Ozarks. The university enrolls over 7,000 students and employs 300 faculty, providing a balance of scale and individual impact.

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) is the largest of Missouri S&T’s three colleges, accounting for approximately 80% of total enrollment (about 4,500 undergraduates and 800 graduate students). The college includes more than 170 ranked faculty members across 16 undergraduate programs, all with master’s and doctoral equivalents. Recent additions include a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and a Ph.D. in bioengineering, both launched in fall 2024.

About the Community

Rolla, Missouri, offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living, excellent schools, and safe neighborhoods. The area provides abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including the Ozark Scenic Riverways. The community hosts events, concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances year-round, with the university’s Leach Theatre showcasing nationally renowned performers.

Benefits

This position is eligible for a comprehensive university benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

For additional information, visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.