Lecturer of Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear Engineering Lecturer

Tennessee Technological University is seeking a lecturer to join the inaugural faculty for the University's new Nuclear Engineering program. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for dedicated and enthusiastic faculty to establish and grow a new Nuclear Engineering degree program, with the goal of becoming a top-tier Nuclear Engineering department within the next decade.

About the Nuclear Engineering Program: Tennessee Tech began offering a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering in the 2024-2025 academic year and has already enrolled ~50 undergraduate students. A graduate degree program in Nuclear Engineering will be offered soon. The Nuclear Engineering Program is currently housed in the newly renamed Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department; however, the Program is expected to achieve full departmental status based on enrollment and research growth. Backed with over $5M in initial state and federal seed funding, the guiding goal of the new Program is "10 in 10"; that is, to be listed as one the top ten nuclear engineering programs in the U.S. within ten years.

About Tennessee Tech: As a comprehensive public university with over 10,000 students, Tennessee Tech is a leading university in the south. As one of the eight schools and colleges at the University, the College of Engineering is home to four Research Centers of Excellence and a broad range of academic programs offering B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. The Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering is housed within the College and is the largest department by enrollment at the University. The College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech is undergoing a major transformation and substantial growth. Over the past five years the College has seen a 18% increase in enrollment (adding 490 students), with a 4.6% increase in the freshman class this year (corresponding to a five-year average growth rate of 9%). Research expenditures in the College have increased by over a factor of three over the past five years, and awards have averaged approximately $500K per faculty (around $40M/year total) over the past few years. The College opened the brand-new 100,000 sq.ft. Ashraf Islam Engineering Building in 2024, serving all disciplines in the College. Groundbreaking for the 81,000 sq.ft. Advanced Construction & Manufacturing Engineering {ACME) building took place in October of 2025. The ACME building will house the Civil Engineering facilities, the Manufacturing Engineering Department and the Center for Manufacturing Research (which is funded at approximately $1.5M per year by the state, in addition to externally funded grants and contracts). ACME will also house a start-of-the art foundry, laser welding, metal additive printers, and numerous other advanced pieces of equipment for use by students and researchers. Other line-item recurring investments in the college or related facilities total approximately $10M, demonstrating the state's strong support of the College's mission. Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Responsibilities: Teach courses and labs in the Nuclear Engineering Program. Direct and supervise undergraduate student projects, maintain and update labs, advise undergraduate students. Serve on department committees. Participate in professional and public service activities. The ideal candidate is one who shares the mission and vision of the Department, College, and University and helps the university grow. More information about the Nuclear Engineering Program can be found at

Physical Demands: Those typical of an office or classroom environment.

Special Instructions: Applicants are required to electronically submit all of the following through 1) Cover letter that includes discussion of candidate's philosophy of education, candidate's experience, why the candidate is interested in the position, and any special attributes the candidate would bring to the department and the college; 2) statement of teaching philosophy; 3) curriculum vitae; 4) unofficial transcripts for all degrees (official transcripts sent directly from the degree granting institutions will be required prior to hiring); and 5) contact information for three professional references that will be contacted via email to provide a reference letter if selected for interview. Submission of materials is the applicant's responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Jeffrey (Jeff) King, Founding Director, Nuclear Engineering Program, Box 5014, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, View email address on click.appcast.io, View phone number on click.appcast.io).

Salary: Salary and rank commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full-time, nine-month, non-tenure track position to begin August 1, 2026. Renewable appointment based on satisfactory performance and the needs of the department.

Benefits Information: Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. Deferred income and benefits over 12 months.

Minimum Qualifications: An earned BS from an accredited institution with a Masters in nuclear engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution by the start date of employment. The ability to perform the essential functions. The ability to communicate effectively and to develop and maintain an effective working relationship with faculty, students, administrators, staff and public. The ability to teach in a variety of platforms, including fact-to-face and online.

Preferred Qualifications: A doctoral degree in nuclear engineering is preferred. Candidates without a doctorate degree in nuclear engineering will be evaluated based on their experience and their potential to perform the essential functions. Prior teaching and/or industrial experience in nuclear energy is beneficial.

Job Info: Job Identification 25189, Posting Date 12/10/2025, 03:41 PM, Grade 0, Screening Date: 10/21/2025