Department Chair of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science #00097950

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.

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.

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.

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. Application materials are requested to be submitted using Reference Number 60393 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.

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 4, 2026, and the review of applications will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should apply by October 12^th, 2026.

University Information
Missouri S&T is one of the nation's leading research universities with over 100-degree programs in 39 disciplines. It was founded in 1870 as one of the first technological institutions west of the Mississippi River. Located about 100 miles west of St. Louis in the vibrant community of Rolla, Missouri S&T is an accessible, safe, and friendly campus surrounded by Ozarks' scenery. Missouri S&T offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, humanities, and business, with M.S. and Ph.D. programs available in many of the science and engineering programs. With over 7,000 students and 300 faculty, Missouri S&T is big enough to accommodate a broad population, yet small enough for individuals to build high visibility and impactful careers.

COLLEGE of ENGINEERING & COMPUTING (CEC)
Missouri S&T's College of Engineering and Computing is the largest of three colleges at S&T, accounting for approximately 80% of the total enrollment (about 4,500 undergraduates and 800 graduate students). The college includes more than 170 ranked faculty members who serve in 16 undergraduate programs, all with master's and doctoral equivalents organized into nine academic departments. The college recently added a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and a Ph.D. in bioengineering, both starting in fall 2024. Missouri S&T, supported by the College of Engineering and Computing, is nationally recognized for its career outcomes and ROI.

About Rolla
Rolla, Missouri offers several great advantages that help individuals enjoy a high quality of life. Rolla is an ideal place for families, with its low cost of living, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. The Ozark Scenic Riverways and beautiful landscapes offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of every lifestyle. With its vibrant community, Rolla hosts multiple events, concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances throughout the year. The university's Leach Theatre showcases nationally renowned performers for campus and community alike. Overall, living in Rolla offers a high quality of life with a supportive community, affordable living, beautiful natural surroundings, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734.