Description

Job Description: The University of Nevada, Reno seeks candidates for three tenure-track faculty openings at the Assistant, Associate, or Professor level to support the development of research and education programs in any one of the three specialties described below, where candidates will be placed into the College of Science or the College of Engineering and the proper department for the best fit: 

Dynamic Material Response, including the study of the kinetics of phase transitions, heterogeneous material response, or plasticity and fracture. Preference will be given to candidates that have experience in impact or explosively driven extreme material states.

Pulsed Power, including the design of high-current (kA-MA) and high-voltage (kV-MV) pulsed power generators as well as gaseous and vacuum discharge physics.  Preference will be given to candidates that also have experience in explosive pulsed power, dense plasma focus, or applications to x-ray flash radiography. 

Energetic Materials, including performance, mechanical properties, property/structure relationships, advanced manufacturing, and explosive safety.  Preference will be given to candidates that have experience in developing a detonation research laboratory.

Based on the University’s mission as a land grant institution, we are expanding our research and education program in support of national security initiatives within our state and the region, with a specific focus on the science and technology of creating and understanding extreme environments.  The University of Nevada, Reno has a unique combination of pulsed power and shock wave experimental facilities, all within a blast rated building. With increased expertise in the advertised specialties combined with current capabilities we will have a unique ensemble of faculty to advance cutting edge science, technology, and education initiatives.

Candidates are sought who can perform outstanding research in one or more of these areas, work within a larger team while building their own research program, and teach relevant courses. These tenure-track/tenured positions will be responsible for teaching, research and university service.

Required Qualifications: Candidates will be hired at the level that is comparable to experience within industry, national research laboratories and sites, or academic institutions. 

• All applicants must have a Doctoral Degree in either physics, applied physics, material science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or another closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications: Candidates who already collaborate with NNSA/DoD labs/sites, perform hands-on experimental research, and whose specialization and interests complement UNR’s developing research program in the science and technology of creating and understanding extreme environments will be preferred.

Department/College Information: 

College of Science: Join the College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno. We value faculty and staff as essential partners in our mission to advance scientific discovery, technological innovation, and wholistic education. Our college seeks individuals committed to:
Advancing fundamental and applied scientific research
Delivering innovative, student-centered education

The College of Science is a research-active and collaborative academic unit, supporting externally funded research across the physical, life and mathematical sciences. With strong institutional support and a growing research portfolio, including over $20M in recent commitments to explore the response of materials to extreme conditions, the college provides resources for professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure faculty success. We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees through eight departments:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Mining and Metallurgical Engineering
• Physics
• Psychology
• Geography
• Geological Sciences & Engineering

The college is home to specialized laboratories that support work in areas such as molecular biosciences, geophysics, atmospheric science, materials characterization, data science, plasma science, and dynamic compression science.  Located near the Nevada National Security Site and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, our faculty have strong partnerships with national laboratory scientists and engineers. Please find more information here: https://www.unr.edu/science.

College of Engineering: Join the College of Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. We value faculty and staff as partners in our mission to deliver outstanding education, research and engagement. Our college seeks individuals committed to:

• Engaging in impactful outreach
• Providing state-of-the-art education
• Fostering broad community engagement

Nevada Engineering is a fast-growing college, with research expenditures that have doubled over the past eight years. Supported by an Engineering Research Office, the college secured $27.9 million in research awards in FY25 and offers professional development resources to ensure success. We offer bachelor’s, graduate degrees and certificates through five departments:

• Chemical & Materials Engineering
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Computer Science & Engineering
• Electrical & Biomedical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Our specialized facilities include the Center for Civil Engineering Earthquake Research, Cybersecurity Center, the Nanofabrication Lab in the Davidson Foundation Cleanroom and the Nevada Water Innovation Institute. Located near the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center and offering ready access to the bustling California economy, Nevada Engineering collaborates with leading tech firms and advance research in robotics, AI, battery technology, aerospace, water systems and sustainable energy. 

In Reno, you will find world-class outdoor recreation opportunities — including skiing, hiking, biking and water sports — in nearby Lake Tahoe and throughout the northern Nevada region. Learn more at unr.edu/engineering

For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Assistant--Associate-or-Professor--Science-or-Engineering_R0150166

Full Consideration: For full consideration, applications must be received by March 2, 2026. 

This posting is open until filled. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been 

EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.