Position Information
Position Information
Position Number
020603
Working Title
Lecturer of Nuclear Engineering
Job Title
Lecturer
Job Type
Full-Time
Department
Nuclear Engineering
Job Purpose
Tennessee Technological University is seeking a Lecturer for the University's new Nuclear Engineering program. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for dedicated and enthusiastic faculty to establish and grow a new Nuclear Engineering degree program, with the goal of becoming a top-tier Nuclear Engineering department within the next decade.
About the Nuclear Engineering Program: Tennessee Tech began offering a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering in the 2024-2025 academic year and has already enrolled ~20 students with over 50 additional students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. A graduate degree program in Nuclear Engineering will be offered soon. The Nuclear Engineering Program is currently housed in the newly renamed Mechanical Engineering Department (which will become the Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department effective July 1st, 2025); but, the Program is expected to achieve full departmental status based on enrollment and research growth. Backed with over $4M in initial state and federal seed funding, the guiding goal of the new Program is "10 in 10"; that is, to be listed as one of the top ten nuclear engineering programs in the U.S. within ten years.
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 Tech, the College of Engineering is home to four Research Centers of Excellence, (with one substantially supporting college faculty reporting to Vice President for Research) nine undergraduate academic programs, six MS degrees, and a unified Ph.D. degree. The Department of Mechanical (and Nuclear) Engineering is housed within the College and is the largest undergraduate department by enrollment at the University. The College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech is undergoing a major transformation and substantial growth. Over the past 5 years, the College has seen a 14% increase in enrollment, with a ~60% increase in the freshman class during that time. Research has increased from $5.7M in awards in 2019 to $42.7M in 2024. The College just opened the brand-new 100,000 sq.ft. Ashraf Islam Engineering Building serving all disciplines in the College. The 81,000 sq.ft. Advanced Construction & Manufacturing Engineering (ACME) building has been approved by the State of Tennessee, with groundbreaking planned for 2025. The ACME building will house the most Civil Engineering facilities, the Manufacturing Engineering Department and the Center for Manufacturing Research, which is funded at approximately $1.5M per year by the state, in addition to externally funded grants and contracts. ACME will also house a state-of-the art foundry, laser welding, metal additive printers, and numerous other advanced pieces of equipment for use by students and researchers. Other line-item recurring investments in the college or related facilities total approximately $10M, demonstrating the states' strong support of the College's mission.
Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Essential Functions
Teach courses and labs in the Nuclear Engineering Program. Direct and supervise student projects, maintain and update labs, advise undergraduate students. Serve on department committees. Participate in professional and public service activities. The ideal candidate is one who shares the mission and vision of the Department, College, and University and helps the university grow. More information about the Nuclear Engineering Program can be found at https://www.tntech.edu/engineering/programs/ne/.
Minimum Qualifications
An earned BS from an accredited institution with a Masters in nuclear engineering or a 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. The ability to teach in a variety of platforms, including face-to-face and online.
Preferred Qualifications
A doctoral degree in nuclear engineering is preferred. Candidates without a doctorate degree in nuclear engineering will be evaluated based on their experience and their potential to perform the essential functions. Prior teaching and/or industrial experience in nuclear energy is beneficial.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary
Salary and rank commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full-time, nine month, non-tenure track position to begin August 1, 2025. Renewable appointment based on satisfactory performance and the needs of the department.
Benefits Information
The University 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.
Posting Details
Posting Date
01/22/2025
Screening Date
03/08/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to electronically submit all of the following through https://jobs.tntech.edu: 1) Cover letter that includes discussion of candidate's philosophy of education, candidate's experience, why the candidate is interested in the position, and any special attributes the candidate would bring to the department and the college; 2) statement of teaching philosophy; 3) curriculum vitae; 4) unofficial transcripts for all degrees (official transcripts sent directly from the degree granting institutions will be required prior to hiring); and 5) contact information for three professional references that will be contacted via email to provide a reference letter if selected for interview.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Jeffrey (Jeff) King, Founding Director, Nuclear Engineering Program, Box 5014, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, jking@tntech.edu, (931) 372-3721).
