Grainger College of Engineering: Head and Professor - Nuclear, Plasma, & Radiological Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

25d•Onsite

About The Position

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a distinguished scholar and strategic leader to serve as the next Head of the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE). NPRE is recognized for its world-class faculty, highly ranked academic programs, and collaborative research environment dedicated to addressing critical challenges in clean energy, healthcare, sustainability, and national security. The department's research and educational mission spans three core areas: nuclear power engineering, fusion and plasma science and engineering, and radiological engineering and medical physics. Key areas of expertise include radiological imaging, risk and reliability analysis, nuclear nonproliferation, radiation detection, neutronics, thermal hydraulics, the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear materials, radiation damage, plasma nanosynthesis, and fusion plasma-material interactions. NPRE is home to 22 faculty members, 12 staff, 186 undergraduate students, and 109 graduate students. The department offers an exceptional opportunity for visionary leadership at a pivotal moment for nuclear energy, fusion, and related technologies. Building on its strengths in interdisciplinary research and longstanding partnerships with national laboratories, industry, and government agencies, NPRE is well positioned to expand its impact. The department is home to transformative initiatives, including the Hybrid Illinois Device for Research and Applications (HIDRA), the Illinois Plasma Institute, and the Illinois Nuclear Power Institute. NPRE’s educational portfolio includes the professional Master of Engineering in Energy Systems (MEng-ES). The next Department Head will have the opportunity to build on this strong foundation by advancing excellence in research, education, and service, while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually ambitious community.

Requirements

An earned Ph.D. or its equivalent.
A scholarly record commensurate with the level of a tenured full professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
A distinguished record of research achievement.
A dynamic leader who can balance administrative duties with visionary leadership to advance the department.

Responsibilities

Leading faculty in research, teaching, and public service.
Engaging with industry, national laboratories, private foundations, and alumni.
Overseeing administrative, budgetary, and promotion decisions.
Articulate and implement a compelling vision for the future of NPRE Illinois.
Develop and implement plans for scholarly excellence.
Innovate and sustain cutting-edge curricula and research collaborations.
Foster a supportive environment for faculty and staff development.
Build connections with industry and research institutions.
Engage actively with students and alumni to celebrate and leverage their contributions.
Lead fundraising efforts and establish strategic partnerships.
Promote and engage the department community of students, faculty, and staff.