Tenure-track Assistant Professor

Tenure-track Assistant Professor

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 

College of Engineering

The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department (https://mae.osu.edu/) at The Ohio State University invite applications for a tenure-track assistant professor appointment in the area of nuclear science and engineering. This position will start as early as Fall 2026. 

 Position Overview

The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Nuclear Engineering at the Assistant Professor rank. This position will support a growing Nuclear Engineering program, including the development of a forthcoming undergraduate degree. There is a strong university-wide emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and this position is intended to advance the integration of AI/ML across all areas of nuclear science and engineering.

We seek candidates whose research focuses on the development or application of AI/ML methods to problems in the nuclear science and engineering disciplines. The use of AI/ML must be a core aspect of the candidate’s research program and should demonstrate impact across one or multiple nuclear engineering domains.

Successful candidates are expected to establish a strong externally funded research program, contribute to both undergraduate and graduate teaching, and support the continued growth of the Nuclear Engineering program. Sponsorship will be offered if an international candidate is selected.

Performance Objectives

• Contribute research activities in the Nuclear Engineering program, develop and maintain a nationally and internationally recognized and externally funded research program in their technical fields.   
• Teach and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate level, supervise student research. 
• Participate in service to the university and the international research community. 

 Qualifications

• Applicants must have earned (or be expected to receive a doctorate degree by May 2026) in nuclear engineering or a closely related engineering or science discipline.
• Research with the potential for scholarly impact, innovation, and collaboration 
• Evidence of research productivity and potential for securing external funding 
• Ability to teach and supervise undergraduate and graduate students. Embrace development of open-minded exploration among learners 
• Leadership and ability for collaboration in an academic environment and potential to be a conscientious university community member 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with desire and ability to work constructively decisively, and collegially with external and internal colleagues and interdisciplinary teams
• Ability to work independently: proactive self-starter with strong project leadership skills
• A successful candidate will display innovative thinking, open to sharing ideas and willing to continuously learn 
• Demonstrated efforts in research, teaching, and/or outreach and engagement that reflect Ohio State’s Shared Values

Additional Information

The final offer for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity considerations. Salary and start-up packages are negotiated by the department chair and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application after you submit it (this includes application materials).

Please include all and only the following required application materials in the Application Documents section, found in the My Experience step (Step 2 of the application process):

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae)/Resume (do not include pictures in your CV/resume): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Teaching Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
• A personal vision for teaching and learning.
• A description of teaching strategies or approaches for which you received training or have implemented.
• Justification for those strategies, focusing on evidence-based practice, highlighting how to achieve an effective learning environment for all students regardless of their backgrounds, expectations, and needs.
•  A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring.
• Attachment 4: Research Statement. Write 2-3 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
• Your research questions and their importance; how your research contributes to your field
• Research plan and future research directions
• Identify potential collaborations and funding sources
• Broader impacts of your research
• Plan for student engagement in your research program.
• Attachment 5: Mentoring Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
• Your mentoring philosophy
• Describe previous mentoring training and/or experience
• State mentoring skills you consider fundamental to effectively mentor students from all cultural backgrounds.

 Please do not include a list of references with your application. We will request this information when we need it.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Raymond Cao at [email protected].

Application review:

Review of applications will begin on November 1 and may continue until the position is filled.

Apply here.