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The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position (assistant/associate/full) in advanced materials and material behavior in nuclear environments, starting August 2026, to contribute to our growth in nuclear engineering. We seek candidates with expertise in advanced materials for applications with nuclear exposure (power, medical, space) including components, structural materials and electronics, as well as those exploring novel nuclear fuels. Research can be computational and/or experimental to support investigations that assess material limitations and identify potential improvements to reactor design feasibility and operational longevity, both of which impact reactor performance, safety, and sustainability. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is significant interest in nuclear energy to meet the growing power demands of data centers and in supporting nuclear applications in the military. Candidates with experience in next generation of power reactors (small modular reactors, fusion, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have broad strengths in the fundamental aspects of mechanical and nuclear engineering and will contribute to a large, collegial, interdisciplinary, and thriving department with a strong tradition of fundamental and applied research.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in mechanical or nuclear engineering (or a closely related field), a strong record of academic accomplishments, a proven ability to work collaboratively, a commitment to interdisciplinary research and instruction, and a willingness to expand disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and societal challenges.