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The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty assistant professor position in environmental engineering beginning Fall 2026. The area of specialization is at the intersection of energy and environment, including but not limited to nuclear environmental engineering, socio-physical systems, materials for energy and environmental systems, mitigation of environmental and health impacts from energy production and use, and other emerging environmental challenges. The research area must complement and strengthen one or more of the existing thrust areas in the CEE department in sustainability science and engineering, infrastructure systems engineering, and materials and structural engineering.

The successful candidate is expected to leverage and closely affiliated with on-going research initiative and centers at Vanderbilt University such as Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate (energy integration, resource sustainability, climate adaptation and mitigation, and systems risk, reliability and resilience); Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation (nuclear energy systems and waste management, nuclear missions, nuclear fuel cycles and associated waste management), and Institute for National Security. The successful candidates will be expected to adopt Vanderbilt’s “radical collaboration” concept and leverage resources and expertise that exist within the School of Engineering, as well as the University as a whole.

This position is part of the School of Engineering’s commitment to establishing an interdisciplinary Energy Cluster aimed at addressing grand societal and scientific challenges. This hiring focus reflects our dedication to strengthening collaboration across disciplines within the School of Engineering. Our goal is to train the next generation of engineering leaders to uncover new insights and identify solutions to the key challenges as outlined in our strategic plan: improving health for all humans, ensuring a sustainable planet, enhancing national security, and innovating beyond Earth.

The new faculty member will be expected to (i) establish a nationally recognized research program with extramural funds, (ii) teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and (iii) contribute to synergistic efforts within the department, school, and university. A PhD in environmental engineering, civil engineering or a closely related discipline must be in hand at the time of the appointment. Applications should include a (i) cover letter (ii) complete curriculum vitae, (iii) statement of research, (iv) statement of teaching, and (v) a minimum of three references. Application materials are to be submitted online at apply.interfolio.com/175333. Applications will be reviewed as they are received; those received by December 8, 2025, will be given full consideration.

Ranked #17 nationally, Vanderbilt University is a private, internationally recognized research university located on 330 park-like acres 1.5 miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Its 10 distinct schools share a single cohesive campus that values collaboration. The University enrolls over 13,500 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, including 36% minority students and over 1,100 international students from 84 countries.

With a metro population of over two million people, Nashville’s top industries by employment include trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; professional and business services; government; and leisure and hospitality. Other industries include manufacturing, financial activities, construction, and information. Long known as a hub for health care and music, Nashville is a technology center with a considerable pool of health care, AI, and defense-related jobs available. In recent years, the city has experienced an influx of major office openings by some of the largest global tech companies and prime Silicon Valley startups.