Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Fusion

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University’s Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering seeks a tenure-track Nuclear Engineering professor focused on fusion research. The position is a full‑time, nine‑month academic appointment with potential for tenure at higher ranks for exceptional candidates.

Relocation is available and the appointment will be based on the Manhattan campus. Responsibilities include building an externally funded research program, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• This requirement ensures accreditation compliance and confirms that candidates possess the specialized knowledge needed for advanced nuclear engineering instruction and research.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a robust, externally funded research program in fusion.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate nuclear engineering courses.
• Provide professional service at national and international levels, representing Kansas State University.
• Build a competitive research portfolio focused on fusion or fusion-related technologies.
• Pursue external funding from federal agencies, national laboratories, and industry partners.

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field

Job description

Duration: Full‑time, permanent faculty role - contracted to work during the academic year (9 months)

Relocation: Available

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 at Kansas State University includes:

• 8 faculty members
• 2 professional staff
• 140 undergraduate and graduate students
• A TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor (1.25 MW, pulsing capabilities)

The program is rapidly expanding, supported by significant state and federal investments.

More information is available at: http://www.mne.ksu.edu

The position is based on the Manhattan campus, located in the scenic Flint Hills. Manhattan is a vibrant, family-friendly community and the cultural and economic hub of a tri‑county region with more than 200,000 residents. Learn more at www.manhattan.org.

Responsibilities

Position Summary

• Tenure-track faculty position in Nuclear Engineering at Kansas State University.
• Preferred emphasis on fusion research.
• Opportunity for appointment at Assistant Professor, with consideration for Associate or Full Professor ranks for exceptional candidates.
• Tenure upon appointment only considered for outstanding candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a robust, externally funded research program in fusion.
• Conduct research that enhances existing departmental strengths and supports the University’s strategic focus on secure energy.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate nuclear engineering courses.
• Provide professional service at national and international levels, representing Kansas State University.

Research Expectations

• Build a competitive research portfolio focused on fusion or fusion‑related technologies.
• Pursue external funding from federal agencies, national laboratories, and industry partners.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in the nuclear engineering community.

Teaching & Service Expectations

• Deliver high-quality instruction to nuclear engineering students.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers.
• Engage in academic service within the department, college, and professional organizations.

Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution
• This requirement ensures accreditation compliance and confirms that candidates possess the specialized knowledge needed for advanced nuclear engineering instruction and research.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering with research background in fusion
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a strong externally funded research program in fusion-related areas
• Established or emerging collaboration ties with national laboratories
• Evidence of high-quality teaching, mentoring, or academic service
• Ability to navigate academia
• Capable of both computational and experimental research capabilities