Chair, Nuclear Engineering

The University of New Mexico School of Engineering seeks a visionary and collaborative leader who can guide the Nuclear Engineering (NE) department to a higher level of excellence. The Chair will report to Donna Riley, the Dean of the School of Engineering.

The University of New Mexico was founded in 1889 as New Mexico's flagship institution. The University is the only R1 institution in the State and offers various academic programs through 14 colleges and schools. These academic options include more than 215 degree and certificate programs, including 94 baccalaureates, 71 master's, and 37 doctoral degrees. UNM is a Hispanic Serving Institution that takes pride in the extraordinary diversity of its students and in providing opportunities for students, regardless of socioeconomic background. UNM has four branch campuses across the state, which provide academic and vocational training, leading to certificates, associate degrees, and transfers to baccalaureate programs. The University enrolls over 26,000 students and employs over 10,000 faculty and staff.

The University of New Mexico School of Engineering, originally known as the College of Engineering, opened in 1906 with a faculty of two and a single classroom. With time, advances in technology, social change, and the dedication and foresight of many talented people, the School has become a leader in education and research in engineering and computer science. The School's programs include chemical and biological engineering, civil, construction, and environmental engineering, computer science, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering. The School benefits from robust partnerships with national labs, including Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, which provide strong research collaborations and offers students excellent internship and career opportunities. UNM also provides an excellent entrepreneurial ecosystem to translate intellectual property into business.

The Department of Nuclear Engineering has its roots in an undergraduate Department of Chemical Engineering founded in 1946, and a graduate Nuclear Engineering department founded in 1965. The departments were administratively combined in 1972, and then separated in July 2014. The program has been continuously accredited by ABET since 1984. UNM's Department of Nuclear Engineering is the only nuclear engineering program in New Mexico and one of only a handful in the western United States that offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. On-site facilities for the department include an AGN-201M low-power, teaching reactor; a functioning Hot-Cell with material testing facilities; a Lead Loop; multiple high-temperature molten salt test facilities; a high-temperature, Thermal-Hydraulics, and Energy Conversion Laboratory high-pressure helium test loop; and an Environmental measurements laboratory. The department also has associated research centers of the Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation Science & Technology and the Institute for Space/Nuclear Power Studies and enjoys extensive interactions and collaborations with Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, as well as with the UNM School of Medicine and high technology industries locally and nationally. The research expenditures of NE and associated research centers are over $3.1 million per year.

The NE Chair will report directly to the dean and be an integral and vital part of the School's leadership team. As the department's academic and administrative leader, the NE Chair is responsible for all education, faculty, research, and service activities across Nuclear Engineering. The Chair oversees the department's operations and budget, manages resources strategically and responsibly, and works with the Dean to encourage philanthropic engagement and support. Toward that end, the NE Chair will be expected to lead and unify the department around a cohesive vision and supportive culture; improve Student Success and prioritize graduate and undergraduate enrollment; develop, recruit and retain faculty and staff; build a culture of equity and inclusive excellence; grow research and innovation, and develop and expand partnerships.

The University of New Mexico School of Engineering seeks a Chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering who has the leadership capacity and collaborative approach to develop, with input from stakeholders, consensus around a strategic vision and plan for the department that aligns with the School of Engineering and the University's strategic priorities. An earned doctorate in nuclear engineering or a related field is required, as is a record of scholarly achievement meriting appointment as a tenured full professor. A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, student success, and working with broadly diverse communities is strongly preferred. Prior administrative experience, a demonstrated commitment to collaborative leadership, and a strong track record of impactful research and excellence in teaching are also preferred.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, which can be found at www.wittkieffer.com

WittKieffer is assisting the University of New Mexico in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 13, 2025.

Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Sarah Seavey and Jessica Herrington at UNMChairNuclear@wittkieffer.com.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

jeid-0c17ea5fdbb64184884fb0155bd7cdc2