Department Chair, Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences

The Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS) in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair. 

The successful candidate will be an outstanding scholar with an earned doctorate in a research field related to nuclear engineering and radiological sciences and will have an exemplary record of achievement in research, teaching, and service at a level commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor. The successful candidate will demonstrate visionary leadership abilities and a broad appreciation for the diverse perspectives within the department. The candidate will lead and support faculty, students, and staff in research excellence and promote high-quality education and mentorship at all levels, from undergraduate education to graduate and post-doctoral research, and early and mid-career advancement. The candidate will work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and administrators to achieve common goals and to maintain rapport with alumni and industry representatives and our colleagues in the College of Engineering and the University more broadly.

About Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences

The Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS) is consistently ranked as the #1 nuclear engineering graduate program in the country. Our interdisciplinary team of instructional and research faculty are advancing nuclear energy, safeguarding the world, innovating in plasma science, pushing the limits of laser technology, and driving discoveries that shape the future. NERS research impacts sustainable energy solutions, nuclear security and defense, space exploration, radiation for medical treatment, health physics, and more. We are a community of researchers, students, and support staff aiming to advance the benefits of nuclear, radiological, and plasma technology to improve society in the 21st Century. At NERS, we foster an environment where every member of our community can reach their full potential. We value diverse perspectives, respect personal boundaries, and work to ensure everyone feels welcomed and supported. At the forefront of nuclear science, our department harnesses substantial funding to fuel groundbreaking research. With a robust $38.6 million in annual research expenditures (FY2025), we provide unparalleled opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty to engage in transformative research. The department has 22 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, 15 research scientists, 176 undergraduate students, and 137 graduate students.  

About Michigan Engineering

Located on the University of Michigan’s North Campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan Engineering’s mission is to educate, innovate, and lead by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing knowledge, and preparing engineers to solve society’s greatest challenges. As a top-ranked engineering college, all of our graduate and undergraduate programs have a strong reputation for excellence. Michigan Engineering’s graduate and undergraduate programs rank 12th and 5th in the nation, respectively. Our world-renowned faculty are educating visionary leaders and advancing bold discoveries to shape a better world. Michigan Engineering has 13 academic departments and more than $369 million annually in research expenditures (FY2025), including within several large centers and institutes such as the Biointerfaces Institute and the AI & Digital Health Innovation Center. The College community includes more than 755 instructional and research faculty—including 35 National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Science members—more than 12,200 enrolled students, and boasts more than 100,000 living alumni.

About University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is one of the world’s leading research universities, with $2.16B in research expenditures (FY2025). Consistently ranked among the top research universities by USNews and NSF, it has 19 schools and colleges, many of which are ranked in the top ten. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, approximately 25 miles from Detroit Metro International Airport, the University is rich with opportunities for collaboration and cross-disciplinary inquiry, as it's situated near a hub of advanced technology, life sciences, and industries. We are ranked the #2 Best College Town in the U.S. by WalletHub (2026), and #4 Best Places to Live for Families by Fortune (2024). 

Applying to the Chair Position

Applicants should submit a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, and two-page research and teaching statement electronically. In addition, applicants are asked to submit a two-page vision for the department that describes how the candidate will advance the NERS program. Applicants should be prepared to share a list of names and contact information for at least five references upon being shortlisted. 

The deadline for ensuring full consideration of an application is November 15, 2026, but the position will remain open, and applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled. The search will be conducted in confidence until finalists are identified prior to a public campus visit.

Please submit your application here: .  

If you have any questions regarding the search, or would like to nominate someone, please contact Professor Carolyn Kuranz View email address on nature.com , Search Committee Chair. 

Employment will require both a criminal background check and an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. Candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure form as well as an authorization to release information.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an Active Dual-Career Assistance Program. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.