Assistant Professor in Nuclear Engineering

Utah; Salt Lake City, Northern (UT, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah’s Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP), within the College of Engineering, invites applications for up to two full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Nuclear Engineering, starting August 1, 2027. Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and developing an externally funded research program are expected.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering or a closely related field by hire, with strong communication skills and a commitment to teaching and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. by the date of hire; strong communication skills; commitment to teaching and research.

Responsibilities

• Teaching undergraduate and graduate nuclear engineering courses.
• Developing an externally funded research program.
• Contributing to curriculum development and program improvement.
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participating in service, outreach, and recruitment activities.

Skills

Strong communication

Teaching

Research planning

Education

Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering or closely related field

Job description

Position Information

Proposed Faculty Rank Assistant Professor

Department 00058 - Civil and Environmental Engin

City Salt Lake City, UT

Track Tenure Track

New Position to Begin 08/01/2027

Details

The University of Utah’s Nuclear Engineering Program ( UNEP ), within the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, invites applications for up to two full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Nuclear Engineering, starting August 1, 2027.

UNEP is part of a rapidly growing Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering ( CVEEN ), which has expanded its tenure-track faculty by 50% in the past decade and now manages over $8.3 million in annual research expenditures. The department includes 22 tenure-track faculty, five lecturers, and benefits from more than $16 million in external research funding (2025). Detailed information is at www.civil.utah.edu. The program features four core tenure-track faculty and draws on expertise from affiliated faculty across Engineering, Science, and Medicine. UNEP offers an undergraduate minor and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and operates an NRC -licensed 100 kW TRIGA reactor with state-of-the-art facilities. Research areas span nuclear energy, advanced reactor designs, fuel cycles, safety, nuclear medicine, advanced modeling, fusion, and AI/ML applications. Faculty have access to premier research resources, including the Nanofab materials characterization center.

In response to growing demand for nuclear energy, UNEP seeks applicants in all areas of nuclear engineering, with particular interest in: (1) Thermal-hydraulics; (2) Nuclear fuel cycles for current and next-generation systems; (3) Nuclear fusion science and technology; (4) AI/ML relevant to nuclear engineering; and (5) Radiological Science.

Position expectations include: (1) Teaching undergraduate and graduate nuclear engineering courses; (2) Developing an externally funded research program; (3) Contributing to curriculum development and program improvement; (4) Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; and (5) Participating in service, outreach, and recruitment activities.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering or a closely related field by the date of hire, strong communication skills, and a commitment to teaching and research. The successful candidate is also expected to develop a strong externally funded research program and to be eligible to serve as a principal investigator on relevant U.S. federal nuclear research funding opportunities, including U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ( NRC ) grant programs, Department of Homeland Security, NNSA and others in accordance with applicable sponsor eligibility requirements.

The University of Utah is an R1 research institution located in Salt Lake City, at the base of the Wasatch Mountains. Utah was ranked the Best State to Live In (US News, 2026), and the University is the #1 Public University in the West (Wall Street Journal, 2024).

EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/. Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems(“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
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Special Instructions for Candidates

Open Date 09/08/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Requisition Number PRN01575CF

Type Faculty