"Assistant or Associate Professor, Tenure-Track Nuclear Energy (INEF)"

Assistant or Associate Professor, Tenure-Track Nuclear Energy (INEF)

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Washington State University Tri-Cities (WSU Tri-Cities) is now accepting applications for a tenure-track Nuclear Engineering faculty at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank to join the newly established Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF). INEF is an interdisciplinary institute dedicated to recruiting talented new faculty, leveraging existing expertise across the WSU system, and collaborating with research partners, including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), to address the increasing demands for reliable advanced energy solutions in the Pacific Northwest region and beyond. This faculty position is based at WSU Tri-Cities campus in Richland, WA.

We are seeking candidates with expertise including the design, deployment, and optimization of nuclear energy with emphasis in areas of nuclear engineering and nuclear reactor design, analysis and operations and their roles in establishing future reliable and resilient energy solutions. Faculty appointed to this position will hold a tenure-track appointment in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), with teaching and service responsibilities shared between INEF and SEAS. This tenure-track position will interact with the faculty across the WSU System in the nuclear engineering area, as well as with our WSU Pullman Nuclear Science Center that houses a 1 MW TRIGA reactor.

Given the close collaboration between INEF and PNNL, it is expected that successful candidates will have the ability to apply for security clearance from the U.S. Department of Energy and/or PNNL (as described in CFR Title 32.A.I.D.147), as this may be necessary to access restricted areas and resources.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain an innovative, competitive, and nationally recognized research program in relevant areas.
• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in area of expertise and similarly relevant courses, including nuclear engineering and science related courses
• Contribute to advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participate in service to the INEF, department, college and/or university through committee work, recruitment (including that of highly qualified students), and interaction with industry.
• Collaborate closely with other appropriate faculty throughout the campus and University system.
• Establish and sustain significant external research funding in support of the research program.
• Participate in courses, laboratory, and curriculum development in relevant areas.

SALARY

Assistant Professor rank: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per 9-month academic year

Associate Professor rank: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per 9-month academic year

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for these positions. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will begin the appointment on May 16 or August 16, 2026, depending on the availability of candidate and needs of the program.

Assistant Professor Required Qualifications:

• Candidates for Assistant Professor must have an earned doctorate in a relevant field by the time of starting the position.

Associate Professor Required Qualifications:

• Candidates for Associate Professor must have an earned doctorate in a relevant field by the time of starting the position and have a proven record of success as an Assistant Professor or equivalent experience in a National Lab or industry.

Required Qualifications for All Ranks:

• Potential for conducting collaborative and cutting-edge research and securing external funding.
• Ability to develop and teach nuclear engineering and science undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Commitment to teaching excellence and student success for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both students and colleagues in written and verbal forms.

Preferred Qualifications for All Ranks:

• Demonstrated research experience and a proven track record in the focus area the candidate is applying for.
• Experience with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
• Experience in teaching and developing nuclear engineering related curricula.
• Minimum of one year of post-doctoral experience in a related field.
• Ability to initiate novel teaching approaches, advancing the pedagogy of the field.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary groups in research and outreach.

APPLICATION Instructions:

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Teaching & Research Statement: Up to four pages, describing how your education and experience align with the qualifications for the position, as well as your vision for teaching and research.

For questions about this position, please contact tricities.inef@wsu.edu.