Professor- Nuclear Materials

Job Purpose:

The Professor of Nuclear Materials will contribute to the University's mission through excellence in teaching, research, and academic service, with a particular emphasis on advancing research and education in nuclear materials science and engineering.

The role supports the strategic research objectives of the Emirates Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC) by developing innovative research programs addressing materials performance, degradation, and reliability in nuclear energy systems. The successful candidate will contribute to national and international research initiatives supporting the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants and the development of advanced nuclear technologies.

Faculty responsibilities shall include an appropriate combination of:

a) Dissemination of knowledge through undergraduate and graduate teaching in nuclear engineering and materials science

b) Research and scholarly activities in nuclear materials aligned with ENTC research priorities

c) Academic and professional service within the University and the broader scientific community.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Strategic Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership in nuclear materials research within the Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department and ENTC.
• Develop and lead high-impact research programs addressing key challenges in materials performance in nuclear energy systems.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of ENTC's research activities in nuclear materials and chemistry.
• Strengthen collaborations with national and international research institutions, nuclear industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to the development of research infrastructure and advanced laboratories supporting nuclear materials characterization and testing.
• Secure external research funding and competitive grants to support research initiatives and graduate students.

Teaching:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in nuclear engineering and materials science, particularly in areas such as: -Nuclear Materials, -Radiation Effects in Materials, -Nuclear Fuel Materials, and -Materials Degradation in Nuclear Systems.
• Prepare and update teaching materials including course outlines, syllabi, and lesson plans in line with current developments in nuclear materials research.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of high-quality nuclear engineering curricula.
• Provide students with detailed syllabi, instructional methods, and evaluation criteria.
• Integrate modern instructional technologies and innovative teaching approaches.
• Monitor student performance and provide academic support when necessary.
• Develop and evaluate exams, coursework, assignments, and laboratory activities.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate student research projects and theses.
• Participate in peer review of teaching and academic programs.
• Mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in nuclear materials research.

Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities:

• Conduct high-quality research in nuclear materials science and engineering.
• Publish research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.
• Develop research activities addressing topics such as:
• - Radiation damage and microstructural evolution in nuclear materials

1. - Corrosion and environmental degradation in reactor systems
2. - Structural integrity and aging of reactor components
3. - Nuclear fuel and cladding materials
4. - Advanced materials and coatings for nuclear systems
5. - Multiscale modeling of materials behavior under irradiation

• Secure external funding through national and international research grants and industrial partnerships.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the University and with external research institutions, national laboratories, and nuclear industry partners.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives within ENTC.

Academic Service:

• Contribute to departmental, college, and university committees and working groups.
• Participate in activities supporting student recruitment, retention, and career placement.
• Contribute to outreach and engagement activities supporting nuclear science education and public awareness.
• Provide professional service to the scientific community through journal reviewing, conference organization, and participation in professional societies.
• Foster collaboration with industry and government organizations related to nuclear technology.
• Adhere to the University's policies related to information security, research ethics, and confidentiality.
• Coordinate with other departments and research centers to support interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Perform other academic duties as assigned by the Department Chair.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise PhD and MSc students in nuclear engineering and nuclear materials research.
• Mentor postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty members where appropriate.
• Lead and manage research teams and collaborative research projects.

Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD or equivalent doctorate in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. Preference will be given to candidates with degrees from internationally recognized universities.
• Minimum 10 years of teaching and postgraduate research experience, including at least 5 years at the Associate Professor level or equivalent.
• Demonstrated international reputation in nuclear materials research.
• Strong record of publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven ability to secure competitive research funding.
• Experience supervising graduate students and leading research teams.
• Experience collaborating with international research institutions, nuclear industry partners, or national laboratories is highly desirable