Nuclear Engineer Faculty Open Rank

The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) at the University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia, SC is seeking a qualified applicant for a Tenured and Tenure-Track faculty position (Open-Rank) to support its Nuclear Engineering Program. USC and MCEC pursue a bold vision of supporting the state’s growing aerospace, manufacturing, technology, and nuclear industries while experiencing sustained growth in student numbers and research output. We aim to hire innovative and bold thought leaders focused on student success, outstanding research, and the motivation and drive to support the US and SC economy and industrial base. This is a 9-month faculty open-rank position and will have atenure home in the Mechanical Engineering department with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2027.

Applicants for the Assistant Professor rank should possess a PhD degree in Nuclear, or Mechanical Engineering or closely related field, a demonstrated record of research accomplishments, and an outstanding capacity for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Applicants for the ranks of Associate Professor and Full Professor must in addition have years of relevant academic experience commensurate with academic policy, plus a strong, sustained record of excellence in teaching, research, and service including competitive funding and interdisciplinary collaborations. Candidates with a strong vision for the future of engineering education are highly encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates will be expected to develop internationally recognized, externally funded research programs in cutting edge areas of nuclear engineering. In particular, candidates with a strong track record of research and teaching in the areas of nuclear fuels and materials; advanced reactor design and analysis; and intelligent nuclear systems, controls, and operational technologies are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidates must have the ability to (1) teach and develop nuclear engineering curriculum (including lecture, laboratory, or design courses) at the undergraduate and graduate levels, (2) develop and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program, (3) collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams of faculty and other researchers across colleges and institutions, and (4) be engaged in professional activities.

USC is a Flagship, R1 research university experiencing sustained growth in number of students and research. The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing has seven academic departments with over 40 academic programs, more than 3,600 undergraduate students, and received over $73m of competitive federal sponsored research awards in 2025. MCEC received a transformational gift naming the college in 2024 and is on a bold trajectory to continue its rapid rise in elevating student excellence, scholarly impact, and drive economic impact in South Carolina and across the US.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 45 days and remain posted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027. Interested applicants should apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213698 with: (1) a cover letter indicating the main area of research and desired rank, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a concise description of research plans, (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) names & contact information of at least three references.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.”

Questions about the departmental search may be directed to:

Professor Ted Besmann

Besmann@sc.edu, Phone: +1 803-777-9853