Description

Position Details:

The Department of Chemistry at Washington State University invites applications for a permanent, full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Radiochemistry/Nuclear Forensics. This position is being established as a strategic collaboration between Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to strengthen research and workforce development in radiochemistry, nuclear forensics, and national security-related sciences. We seek applicants who will: develop an internationally recognized, externally funded research program in radiochemistry, nuclear forensics, or closely related areas; contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education; and engage in service activities that support the mission of the department, college, and university. Preference will be given to applicants whose research complements existing strengths in the department, the university, and the nuclear science center and has the potential to foster collaborative opportunities with national laboratories, industry, and other academic partners, especially PNNL.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous research program that advances the fields of radiochemistry and/or nuclear forensics through innovations in areas such as radiochemical separations, actinide chemistry, nuclear material characterization, radioanalytical chemistry, isotope science, environmental radiochemistry, nuclear safeguards and security, forensic analysis of nuclear materials, and related disciplines. The position is eligible for a joint appointment between WSU and PNNL and provides unique opportunities to collaborate with PNNL scientists and leverage capabilities available through the WSU-PNNL research partnership.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Research (60%):
Develop and maintain an innovative, competitive, vigorous, and nationally and internationally recognized research program in radiochemistry and/or nuclear forensics that spans both WSU and PNNL, leveraging facilities at both institutions.
Establish and maintain external research funding in support of the research program.
Develop collaborative research activities involving WSU faculty, students, and scientists at PNNL.
Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate researchers.
Publish in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to national scientific leadership in the field.

Teaching (20%):
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in chemistry either in-person or online, including radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and related areas.
Develop new courses and training opportunities that support workforce needs in radiochemistry and nuclear forensics.
Mentor student research and contribute to graduate education.

Service (20%):
Participate in departmental, college, university, and professional service activities.
Contribute to outreach, recruiting, and workforce development activities aligned with WSU's land-grant mission and national needs in radiochemistry and nuclear security.

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will begin the appointment on August 16, 2027, with the potential for an early start in May 2027.

Additional Information:
Posting Closing Date:
Applicants must submit their completed application by October 18, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Screening of applications will begin immediately thereafter and continue until the position is filled.

9-Month Academic Year Salary:  $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering, with research focus on Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Nuclear Forensics, or a closely related field by the appointment date.
• Demonstrated record of research achievement and strong potential to develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program in radiochemistry, nuclear forensics, or a related area.
• Demonstrated scholarly productivity through a publication record consistent with the expectations of their career stage.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring, including the ability to contribute to general chemistry and to develop or teach upper-division and graduate courses related to the candidate's expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.
• Demonstrated record of supporting, or potential to support, access and opportunity in research, teaching, and service in alignment with WSU’s land grant mission.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Security Clearance in a timely fashion. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral, national laboratory, industrial, or other relevant professional research experience.
• Research expertise in one or more of the following areas:
   

Radiochemistry
Nuclear forensics
Nuclear material characterization
f-block element chemistry
Radiochemical separations
Radioanalytical chemistry
Isotope science
Environmental radiochemistry
Nuclear safeguards and security
Nuclear nonproliferation science

• Experience working with radioactive materials.
• Demonstrated record of collaborative research involving multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral researchers.
• Potential to establish productive collaborations with scientists at PNNL and other national laboratories.
   

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.