New

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Fusion

Oak Ridge Associated Universities

United States, Missouri, Kansas City

Sep 30, 2026

Job Locations

US-MO-Kansas City

ID

2026-3847

Category

Training & Education

Overview

Pay Range: $125-175k
Duration: Fulltime, permanent faculty role - contracted to work during the academic year (9 months)

Relocation: Available

Work Format: Inperson

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 tricounty 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 fusionrelated 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
Adept at using AI
Ability to navigate academia
Capable of both computational and experimental research capabilities

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