Tenure Track Assistant Professor

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Job Title:

Tenure Track Assistant Professor

Department:

Engineering Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department ( 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 .

Application review:

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

Additional Information:

Department Information

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is one of the largest departments in the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University. We are home to more than 80 faculty and over 35 dedicated staff members. Approximately 2000 undergraduates are pursuing a degree in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering through rigorous programs that feature hands-on, project-based learning. Nearly 300 graduate students are seeking a degree in either Mechanical, Aerospace, or Nuclear Engineering. Our innovative and creative faculty adhere to the philosophy that true innovation depends upon the cooperation of academia, industry, and government working together to advance the goals of science and technology. Our students and faculty regularly collaborate with colleagues in other departments in the College of Engineering and with multiple other colleges across campus. Department faculty have over $26 million in sponsored research expenditures in areas such as advanced transportation systems (aerospace and automotive), bioengineering, energy and environmental quality, materials and manufacturing, micro- and nanotechnology, and nuclear energy while providing leadership for the Aerospace Research Center, Center for Automotive Research, the NSF IUCRC Smart Vehicle Concepts Center, the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, and the Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center.

The College of Engineering

Faculty Development: The Ohio State University and the College of Engineering are committed to support and develop faculty as well as the work-life balance of its faculty. These resources include The Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program, the Better Research through Better Mentoring program, and institutional membership to the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. To learn more visit:

Learn more about the College of Engineering, the university and Columbus here.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available. More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here.

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Location:

Scott Laboratory (0148)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

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