Description of the Opportunity
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), one of the nation's premier technological research universities, invites nominations and applications for the position of Department Chair of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science (NERS).
This is a rare leadership opportunity for a forward-looking and entrepreneurial academic to guide a department poised for significant growth in both student enrollment and research activity. The next chair will play a central role in shaping the future trajectory of NERS at a pivotal moment of institutional investment and programmatic expansion.
The department is entering a period of rapid advancement, supported by a recently approved multi-million-dollar investment to upgrade and expand its 200 kW MTR-type nuclear reactor. Complementing this infrastructure are modernized laboratory facilities and the addition of a NuScale E2 Simulator, positioning the department at the forefront of experiential nuclear engineering education.
A key strategic priority for the incoming chair will be leadership of the university's “PowerPlex” initiative—an ambitious effort to establish advanced nuclear capabilities on campus, including the development of a microreactor and integrated thermal energy management systems. This initiative is supported by a newly formed advisory board composed of leading experts from industry and government, providing a strong external network to accelerate impact.
The department and university further benefit from a recently established SUPER agreement with Idaho National Laboratory, creating expanded opportunities for collaborative research, workforce development, and engagement.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic academic environment with the resources, partnerships, and institutional commitment necessary to build a nationally and internationally prominent program.
Description of Qualifications
The Department Chair of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science will be an accomplished academic leader with the vision, experience, and collaborative mindset required to advance the department's mission across education, research, and service. Key qualifications and attributes include:
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute a strategic vision that elevates the department's national and international reputation in nuclear engineering education and research.
- Proven record of advancing research innovation, including the ability to lead large-scale, interdisciplinary initiatives such as reactor modernization and emerging nuclear energy systems.
- Experience building and sustaining productive partnerships with federal and state agencies, national laboratories, and industry stakeholders.
- Strong commitment to faculty development, including mentoring, supporting, and enabling faculty to expand research productivity and scholarly impact.
- Ability to engage alumni, donors, and external partners to enhance philanthropic support and diversify revenue streams.
- Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience in an academic or research environment, with the capacity to manage complex operations and drive organizational growth.
The successful candidate must hold a terminal degree in nuclear engineering or a closely related discipline and possess a record of achievement commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor at Missouri S&T.
About Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science
The undergraduate program is the only B.S. program in Nuclear Engineering in the State of Missouri. The educational mission of the department is to offer students unparalleled, career-focused educational opportunities in nuclear engineering, nuclear energy, medical applications of radiation, nuclear nonproliferation, radiation science applications, and related engineering and science fields. We aim to become nationally recognized leaders in areas of small modular reactors and micro reactor development, medical imaging and radiotherapy applications, and materials under extreme environments and their application in advanced nuclear systems. The department is home to 10 faculty members, and nearly 300 undergraduate students and 35 graduate students (including 20 Ph.D. students). The department is also home to the Missouri S&T Reactor (MSTR), a 200 kW MTR-type reactor used for student operator training and research since 1961. As members of the University of Missouri system, faculty and students in the program also have opportunities to conduct research at the 10 MW Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR), the highest-power university-owned reactor in the U.S.
About Missouri S&T
Founded in 1870, Missouri S&T is a highly selective, top research university with approximately 8,000 students. Missouri S&T is part of the four-campus University of Missouri System and is conveniently situated 100 miles from St. Louis in the multicultural community of Rolla, Missouri S&T. Our campus and community, surrounded by Ozarks scenery, are accessible, safe, and friendly. University leadership has a vision to transform S&T into a leading public technological research university for discovery, creativity, and innovation and the NERS department will play an important role in this transformation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should electronically submit: 1) a detailed cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a perspective on challenges, strategies, and vision for the NERS Department, and 4) contact information for at least four professional references. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the review of applications will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should apply by October 12th, 2026. Application materials are requested to be submitted using Reference Number 00097950 at: https://hr.mst.edu/careers/. For questions prior to submitting an application, please contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Mehdi Ferdowsi at ferdowsi@mst.edu.
Organization
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a leading technological research university and one of only a select number of institutions nationwide to hold both land-grant and space-grant designations. Founded in 1870 as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, the university has built a longstanding reputation for excellence in engineering, science, technology, and innovation while expanding its academic offerings across a wide range of disciplines.
Missouri S&T enrolls more than 7,000 students and is home to over 350 faculty members who are advancing research and educating the next generation of leaders. In 2025, the university earned the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation, recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. universities. Under the leadership of Chancellor Mohammad Dehghani and Provost John Harris, Missouri S&T continues to drive innovation, foster student success, and strengthen its impact through world-class research, education, and industry partnerships.
Consistently recognized for its strong return on investment, career outcomes, and value, Missouri S&T prepares graduates to solve complex global challenges and make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.