Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering (MNE) of the College of Engineering (CoE) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position, starting in Spring of 2027. VCU’s College of Engineering was established in 1996 as a public-private partnership to address the need for engineering innovation in a 21st-century economy. Under a new Dean of Engineering, the college is undergoing exceptional transformations, expanding its interdisciplinary research and educational offerings, and aiming for excellence in impactful thematic areas of global significance. VCU Engineering’s research collaborations with industry, community, and academic partners regularly yield breakthroughs in pharmaceutical engineering; smart cities, sustainability, and clean energy; materials development; health care, regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, and medical device development; data science and better security for cyber and cyber-physical systems. Its multidisciplinary, entrepreneurial approach to engineering education immerses undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in meaningful research investigations throughout their studies. As part of the premier urban research university in Virginia’s capital city, VCU’s mechanical and nuclear engineering department enrolls over 600 students and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, including a new graduate program in aerospace engineering. The department's faculty collaborates closely with many VCU schools and departments, including VCU’s MCV (medical) campus, and has a robust record of extramurally funded research in areas such as advanced materials, manufacturing, nuclear science and engineering, thermal-fluid systems, computational mechanics, aerosol particle technology, and drug delivery. The college is starting a new degree program in Robotics and Autonomous Systems in Fall 2026. Our graduate and online master’s programs are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and attract top students from across the U.S. and globally. Additional information about the department’s programs and faculty can be found at https://egr.vcu.edu/departments/mechanical/. The Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering (MNE) boasts exceptional achievements, including a top-20 national ranking for its nuclear engineering program. Located in Richmond, Virginia, VCU’s College of Engineering offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and real-world opportunities, united by a shared passion for engineering, education, and service to the communities we represent.

Requirements

PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated ability to teach and conduct research in nuclear engineering.
Experience in Radiation Detection and Measurement, Radiochemistry, and/or Molten Salt Chemistry & Corrosion are strongly encouraged.
Strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, student mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Outstanding publication record.
Established research agenda.
Clear potential for external funding.
Potential for scholarship to complement and expand existing expertise in the department.
Experience demonstrating an ability to initiate interdisciplinary research and educational synergies across multiple areas.
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Responsibilities

Teaching courses within the Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering curriculum and mentoring students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Courses will include undergraduate and/or graduate Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering courses as well as courses in the ENGR curriculum (as appropriate).
Maintaining an established research agenda and demonstrating clear potential for external funding, as appropriate, and potential for scholarship or creative expression to complement and expand existing expertise in the department and the College of Engineering.
Involvement with service activities for the department, the College, the University, and for professional and scientific organizations.