The Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking applications to fill a faculty position at the Full Professor level in 2025. This initiative is part of an approved Radioisotopes Cluster hire to bolster UTK’s strength in the development and use of radioisotopes in all related fields, such as but not limited to, isotope production, radiochemistry, and applications of radioisotopes. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated research success in one or more of these areas with the vision to develop collaborative research activities, and are committed to high-quality undergraduate and graduate student education.

The Radioisotopes Cluster was approved and launched in 2022, and several hires have been completed since its inception. In continuation of these recent hires, the Radioisotopes Cluster is seeking to fill its senior-level faculty vacancy. The TCE recently opened the Zeanah Engineering Complex, which is a new $129M building that houses 27 nuclear engineering laboratories. This includes over 4500 square feet of radiochemistry research laboratory space and a radiochemical teaching laboratory suite that will be available to the successful candidate. UTK Nuclear Engineering (NE) has continued to make investments in the radioisotopes research areas including a new $1M small animal PET/CT as well as radioanalytical chemistry instrumentation (ICP-MS, HPLC, iTLC, etc.).

This search aligns well with the current initiatives at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII), including the recently funded $20M Convergent Research Initiative (CRI) in Development and Advancement of Radiopharmaceutical Therapies (DART). The selected candidate will choose which TCE department participating in the Radioisotopes Cluster (Nuclear Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering) they will join. The long-term plan for hires within this cluster include 1) development of new radiochemistry labs, 2) development of enhanced radioisotope curriculum and establishment of a summer school in collaboration with partners at ORNL and UT-ORII, 3) expand partnerships with local hospitals, veterinary centers, and/or businesses with interests in isotope use and research, and 4) establishment of transformational campus-based research center(s).

Applicants must have a doctorate in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related field by the effective date of appointment.

Applicants should be able to contribute to existing courses and research activities in nuclear engineering, as well as to develop new avenues of research and teaching. Specific areas of expertise can fall within any of the three signature capabilities of our department, which include: ensuring the sustainability and future expansion of nuclear power; radiation detection, nuclear security and non-proliferation; and radiological engineering, nuclear chemistry and medicine, and medical physics. Ideally, successful candidates could work across more than one of these signature areas. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated research success that complements existing University of Tennessee strengths and with the vision to develop collaborative and sustainable funded research activities. In addition to demonstrated excellence in research and the potential for developing a highly visible, externally funded research program, successful candidates will also be committed to high-quality undergraduate and graduate teaching.

The University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. The University welcomes ALL people and values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a select subset of publications, a statement of research and teaching interests, a letter articulating the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for this position, and the names of three to five references. Applications will be reviewed continuously, but those received by December 31, 2024, will receive priority. Any additional questions may be sent to Dr. Ivan Maldonado (search committee chair) at imaldona@utk.edu.

Applicants must have a doctorate in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related field for appointment as a Teaching Assistant Professor or a masters in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related field for appointment as a Lecturer by the effective date of appointment.

Applicants should be able to contribute to existing courses in nuclear engineering, as well as to develop new avenues of teaching. The focus area for this search is on nuclear fission engineering. Relevant teaching focus includes foundational nuclear engineering and/or the areas of nuclear power. Teaching contributions may also include the new Nuclear Power Engineering minor within the Department of Nuclear Engineering Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated teaching success that complements existing University of Tennessee strengths and with the vision to develop collaborative teaching activities.

The University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. The University welcomes and honors people of all races, genders, creeds, cultures, and sexual orientations; and values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching interests, a letter articulating the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for this position, and the names of three references. Applications will be reviewed continuously, but those received by January 31, 2025 will receive priority Any additional questions may be sent to Dr. Nick Brown at nbrown49@utk.edu.