Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Physics World; United States; On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, invites applications for an Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in the Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. The successful candidate will develop and maintain a strong externally funded research program in fusion and teach nuclear engineering courses.

The position is tenure-track, with potential consideration for associate or full professor for exceptional candidates, and requires on-site work with service to national and

Qualifications

• The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Teach nuclear engineering courses and represent K-State through professional service in national and international roles.
• Develop and maintain a strong externally funded fusion research program.
• Collaborate with national laboratories and external partners to advance fusion research.

Skills

External funding ability

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or related field

Job description

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Kansas State University

About This Role

The Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Kansas State University is seeking applications for a faculty position in Nuclear Engineering. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a strong, externally funded research program in fusion that complements the Nuclear Engineering Program's strengths and supports the University's focus on secure energy as an enabling technology. Additionally, the successful candidate will teach nuclear engineering courses and represent K-State through professional service in national and international roles. This recruitment is for a tenure-track, assistant professor, but highly qualified candidates may be considered at the level of associate or full professor. Tenure will only be considered for exceptional candidates.

About Us

The Nuclear Engineering Program has 8 faculty members, 2 staff members, and an enrollment of approximately 140 undergraduate and graduate students. K-State hosts a TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor, with licensed thermal power level of 1.25 MW and pulsing capability. This growing program has garnered significant State and Federal investments and aims to become a Top 15 program by 2030. More information on the NE Program and the MNE department may be found at http://www.mne.ksu.edu. The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is located on the main Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas, a vibrant, family-friendly city located in the scenic Flint Hills. Manhattan is the cultural and business hub of a tri-county area community of over 200,000 residents (for more information, see www.manhattan.org).

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field, from an accredited institution.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering with research background in fusion;
• Ability to develop strong externally funded research program in areas relevant to fusion;
• Strong existing National Laboratory collaboration ties.

Additional Role Information

• Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026, and continue through the application deadline of November 15, 2026.

Sponsorship eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Applications close on: November 15, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$125,000 - $175,000 annual salary