Department Head, Nuclear Engineering

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number
PG194391EP

Internal Recruitment
No

Working Title
Department Head, Nuclear Engineering

Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with experience and education

Work Schedule
Occasional flexibility for weeknight/weekend events.

Job Location
Raleigh, NC

Department
Nuclear Engineering

About the Department

The Nuclear Engineering Department at NC State is one of the premier nuclear engineering departments in the United States, home to the first university-based nuclear reactor for teaching and research, and consistently ranked # 3 in the nation for graduate studies. The department has a diverse research portfolio with four major focus areas: (1) Reactor Systems Engineering, (2) Radiation Interactions and Detection, (3) Plasma Science and Engineering, and (4) Nuclear Fuel and Materials. Additional research is performed in cross-cutting areas, including modeling and simulation, waste management, and nuclear security. The department operates a 1 MW pool-type PULSTAR research reactor and associated facilities, which serve as the foundation of the Nuclear Reactor Program dedicated to research, teaching, and extension. The Department offers a creative and collegial atmosphere, dedication to excellence in research and teaching, including distance Masters and Ph.D. programs, and a growing undergraduate program. With support from the state, indepth feasibility studies have been performed towards building a new advanced research reactor and a molten salt loop reactor on campus.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The Department Head will hold the rank of Professor with tenure and provide energetic and visionary leadership to a department with very high expectations and goals in the areas of teaching, research, and service. The Department Head will report to the Dean and oversee all academic, administrative, and budgetary matters for the Department, and will represent the Department to the College, University Administration, and external groups and stakeholders.

The Department Head will be expected to provide the following:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a strategic vision for the department that aligns with the university's mission and goals and fosters innovation and growth in research, education, and outreach.
• Academic Excellence: Promote academic excellence by supporting faculty in their teaching and research endeavors, ensuring high-quality educational programs, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Faculty Development: Recruit, retain, and develop a talented faculty, providing mentorship and support for their professional growth and success, including distinct career paths for tenure-track and professional faculty.
• Research and Innovation: Foster a culture of research excellence, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and secure external funding for research initiatives. Support faculty in their pursuit of cutting-edge research and innovation.
• Student Success: Promote student success by overseeing curriculum development, academic advising, and student engagement activities, as well as by ensuring that students have access to resources that enhance their learning experience
• Budget and Resource Management: Manage departmental budgets effectively, allocate resources efficiently, and seek external funding opportunities to support departmental initiatives and priorities.
• Collaboration: Collaborate across the College of Engineering, the university, and external partners to advance the department's goals, strengthen the college's collective impact, and contribute to the university's broader mission.
• Community Engagement: Foster relationships with industry, government agencies, alumni, and other stakeholders to enhance the department's impact and relevance.
• Administrative Oversight: Provide effective administrative leadership by overseeing departmental operations, including personnel management, facilities, and equipment, and by promoting a transparent decision-making process within the department.

Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Candidates shall possess a doctoral degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related field and credentials to be appointed at the rank of Professor with tenure in the department.

Other Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to academic and research excellence aligned with the standards of a major research university
• Outstanding record of accomplishment in research, teaching, administration, and leadership
• Proven ability to cultivate a highly productive, collaborative academic environment
• Experience leading and managing programs, people, and organizational change in research-intensive university settings
• Strong track record of collaboration with faculty, students, staff, administration, alumni, industry partners, departmental partners, and funding agencies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

N/A

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required
No

Commercial Driver's License required
No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date
12/16/2025

Anticipated Close Date
5/1/2026; if posting is still active after this date applications are still being accepted.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates should provide a resume/CV, cover letter, research plan (2-3
pages), teaching plan (1-2 pages) and the names and contact information of
five (5) professional references.

Confidential review of applications will begin February 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries and nominations are invited and may be directed to NC State Executive Search
Services: Justin Lang, ,

Application materials must be submitted online at jobs.ncsu.edu

Position Details

Position Number
00100439

Position Type
Exempt Professional Staff

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00

Appointment
12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure

Department ID
140101 - College Of Engineering - Dean's Office/Administration

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at or .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.