Assistant Professor in Fusion Energy Systems and Nuclear Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); United States; On-site; USD 143,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA, seeks tenure-track faculty at the Assistant Professor level to advance fusion science, technology, and engineering. Candidates should pioneer practical, economic fusion energy solutions and tackle topics from burning plasma physics to AI-augmented diagnostics and advanced materials.

Successful applicants will develop a distinguished research program, teach at undergraduate and graduate levels, supervise students, and contribute to

Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Science and Engineering or related field by start of employment.
• Demonstrated excellence in research and scholarship in a relevant technical field.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses and advise students.

Responsibilities

• Develop a world-leading research program in fusion-related topics.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses and mentor students.
• Advise students and develop course materials at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Contribute to the end-to-end fusion innovation ecosystem and related interdisciplinary efforts.

Skills

Fusion energy

Nuclear engineering

Reactor design

Plasma physics

AI/ML

Quantum computing

Education

Doctorate in Nuclear Science & Engineering

Job description

The Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, is a world leader in the generation, control and application of nuclear reactions and radiation for the benefit of society and the environment. NSE faculty educate and conduct research in fields ranging from fundamental nuclear science to practical applications of nuclear technology in energy, security and quantum engineering.

More details about the department can be found at http://nse.mit.edu.

We seek candidates for tenure-track faculty positions starting on July 1, 2027, or on a mutually agreed date thereafter. We welcome outstanding applicants with research and teaching interests focused on finding solutions to the challenges of developing practical and economic fusion energy systems. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work impacts the end-to-end fusion innovation ecosystem. Example topics include burning plasma physics; fusion science, technology and engineering; reactor design; advanced materials; plasma-facing components; fuel cycles and tritium technologies; advanced fusion computing with AI, machine learning, and quantum computing techniques; diagnostics andcontrol; advanced manufacturing; and integration of fusion into the emerging national strategic energy system.

Appointment will be at the assistant professor level. In special cases, however, an untenured associate or senior faculty appointment may be possible, commensurate with experience. In addition to the development of a world-leading research program, faculty duties include teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, advising students, conducting original scholarly research and developing course materials at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Applicants must have earned a doctorate in Nuclear Science and Engineering or a related Engineering or Scientific field by the start of employment and must have demonstrated excellence in research and scholarship in a relevant technical field. The pay range for a 9-month academic appointment at the entry-level Assistant Professor rank (excluding summer salary): $143,000 – $147,000. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including possible verification of any finding of misconduct (or pending investigation) from prior employers.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. See MIT’s full policy on Nondiscrimination (https://policies.mit.edu/policies-procedures/90-relations-and-responsibilities-within-mit-community/92-nondiscrimination). Know your rights. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/202210/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf