Founding Director of Nuclear Engineering

Tennessee Tech University Cookeville, TN Full-time Engineering

Posted on April 6, 2024

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Founding Director of Nuclear Engineering

Position Number: 009202
Department: Dean of Engineering Admin Office

Job Purpose
The College of Engineering at Tennessee Technological University (TTU) invites applications for the Founding Director of Nuclear Engineering position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, pending approval of the program by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). This is a very exciting time for Tennessee Tech as the university launches a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering (BSNE) within its College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, to facilitate workforce development in nuclear engineering and close the impending workforce gap, particularly as the state of Tennessee establishes a nuclear development and manufacturing ecosystem to lead the way for the nation's energy advancements.

The pending BSNE program at Tennessee Tech builds upon Tech's long history of success with accredited undergraduate engineering programs. The College of Engineering is the second largest undergraduate engineering college in Tennessee, with a total enrollment of nearly 2,900 students in Fall 2023 and produces nearly a quarter of Tennessee's engineering workforce. The college offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, as well as a bachelor's in engineering technology. The mechanical engineering department grants the college's largest number of undergraduate degrees, with an average undergraduate enrollment of over 700 students.

This new proposed BSNE program builds on the department's success with experience-based engineering programs such as its vehicle engineering and aerospace concentration and leverages several specialized resources in the college, including the Clay N. Hixson Student Success Center, Center for Manufacturing Research (CMR), Center for Energy Systems Research (CESR), and Center for Cybersecurity Research and Outreach (CEROC). It will support the growth requirements for Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS), Y-12 National Security Complex, and other agencies. Graduates of the program will benefit from the increased depth and breadth of the program made possible by the availability of next-generation technology, as well as emerging areas in embedded security, end cycle nuclear reclamation and reprocessing, mathematical modeling, and electronic controls as the industry moves toward increased demand for safe nuclear energy.

The Founding Director of Nuclear Engineering reports to the Chair of Mechanical Engineering and will help to manage and develop multiple aspects of the new nuclear engineering program, including curriculum, assessment, accreditation, student advising, and outreach. The Founding Director is also expected to lead the development of the MS program proposal. The director will work with the mechanical engineering department chair, dean of the College of Engineering, faculty colleagues, and content experts to ensure the creation of an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge curriculum that supports an ABET-accredited BSNE degree. Candidates who have experience in creating or starting new programs and working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can help recruit additional faculty and design the facilities and labs that will house the equipment for the program, are encouraged to apply. Initial funding for the BSNE program is in place including $3 million for the purchase of new equipment; additional operating budget including new faculty lines and research technician are expected for the program. The director must possess a record of scholarship, teaching experience, and service that merits appointment as associate or full professor.

The candidate will provide academic and administrative leadership for the new program, promote excellence in research and teaching, encourage the pursuit of external funding, and foster a collegial atmosphere that supports equity and inclusion, consistent with state and institutional expectations, as well as Tennessee Tech's mission.

About Tennessee Tech: As a comprehensive public university with over 10,000 students, Tennessee Tech is a leading university in the south. As one of the eight schools and colleges at the university, the College of Engineering is home to three research Centers of Excellence and eight academic programs offering B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is housed within the College and is the largest undergraduate program by enrollment at the University. The university is on a growth trajectory in science and engineering with several exciting initiatives including (1) two new buildings in engineering, (2) new recurring annual investment from the State of Tennessee in excess of $3.5M, and (3) several new faculty positions expected to be added to the College of Engineering in the upcoming year.

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Essential Functions
Coordinate, develop, and teach courses in nuclear engineering; engage in scholarly activities; develop externally funded research programs; and engage in professional and public service. Direct student research, leading to publications in refereed journals and other peer-reviewed media. Advise undergraduate and graduate students. Serve on department, college, and university committees. The ideal candidate is one who has experience in developing new curriculum and shares the mission and vision of the department, college, and university and helps the university grow. More information about the department’s academic programs and research can be found at https://www.tntech.edu/engineering/programs/me/.

Minimum Qualifications
An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in nuclear engineering or a closely related field by the start date of employment. The ability to perform the essential functions. The ability to communicate effectively and to develop and maintain an effective working relationship with faculty, students, administrators, staff, and public.

Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the doctorate degree, a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from an accredited institution is preferred. Prior teaching and/or industrial experience. Demonstrated awareness of the national trends in nuclear engineering education, as well as experience and familiarity with ABET accreditation.

Work Hours:

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience. Full-time, nine-month, tenure-track or tenured position to begin August 1, 2024.

Benefits Information
Tennessee Tech offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. Deferred income and benefits over 12 months.

To apply, visit https://jobs.tntech.edu/postings/16896

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Founding Director of Nuclear Engineering

Tennessee Tech University

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