Faculty recruitment

Faculty Positions in Nuclear Engineering

McMaster University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Engineering Physics

Date of online posting: Janaury 23rd 2026 

Job Posting ID: 73890

McMaster University

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and, within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement.

Position Description

The Department of Engineering Physics is seeking outstanding individuals for two tenure-track or tenured positions in Nuclear Engineering. These positions build upon a strategic focus area for the University in fields of nuclear engineering and science and complement our existing world-class facilities such as the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR), the Centre for Advanced Nuclear Systems (CANS), isotope research and production facilities, and a wealth of nuclear and materials research capabilities. The positions are at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Physics, located on the main university campus, starting on or after July 1, 2026. Consideration for positions at the rank of Associate or Full Professor will be given, based on commensurate experience.  The successful applicant must demonstrate a compelling vision for extending McMaster Engineering’s longstanding strengths in research, with a specialization in one or more areas of nuclear engineering, such as: neutronics and reactor physics; thermalhydraulics; nuclear reactor design and safety; decommissioning/waste management; nuclear instrumentation and/or non-destructive testing. 

Successful candidates at the Assistant Professor level will have completed a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics or a related engineering discipline, and will be outstanding emerging scholars with the potential to develop a significant international reputation in the next five to ten years.  Successful applicants at the Associate or Full Professor level will have a superior track record of contributions and training within the nuclear field, demonstrated leadership in research and innovation, and a strong international reputation.  The successful candidates will be expected to apply for a full or limited license from Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).

Applicants must demonstrate a record of excellence in teaching and research, and a willingness and ability to contribute to the Department’s collegial and collaborative intellectual community as well as university-wide inclusive excellence goals and priorities. The successful applicant will teach both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses. Therefore, a demonstrated or strong potential for excellence in teaching and curriculum development in Nuclear Engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is essential.  Research excellence will be reflected in successful mentoring of graduate students (particularly at the doctoral level), extramural grant acquisition and publication in high quality peer-reviewed journals.  They will also be expected to foster existing collaborations and initiate news ones within the Department and with other Departments and Faculties.  Relevant industrial experience, the ability to interact with other research groups (on- and off-campus), and interest in creating and maintaining ties with major industrial players within the broader community, will be considered an asset. 

Ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada and worldwide, McMaster Engineering has a long history of excellence in cutting edge research, student-focused education, innovative programs, leading faculty, and high-achieving students. We integrate experiential learning into every facet of the student journey, offer Canada’s largest undergraduate research program, vibrant co-op opportunities, and much more. With 200 faculty members, about 7,500 undergraduate and 1,250 graduate students, we are a world class centre for academic excellence and innovation.  Discover more of what McMaster Engineering and the Hamilton area have to offer academic professionals and their families by reviewing our Information Guide highlighting our research excellence, family-friendly resources and rich local culture.  Opportunities for continuous personal and professional growth are also made available through our Faculty’s Fireball Academy and the  MacPherson Institute.

Founded in 1887, McMaster University is one of only four Canadian universities ranked among the top 80 in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2022 and is home to more than 70 research centres and institutes. Named Canada’s most research-intensive university in 2017-2020 by Research Infosource, McMaster is dedicated to teaching, learning and service. With a student population of more to 36,000, McMaster welcomes students from 120 countries, as well as Canada.

In addition to competitive salaries, McMaster University provides one of the best benefit packages amongst Canadian universities, which includes supplementary medical and dental coverage, a defined benefits pension plan, external tuition benefit, long term disability insurance and family-friendly supports such as a childcare allowance, and funded pregnancy/parental leaves. University policies include provisions for such leaves in the tenure process and in annual merit evaluations. The Faculty of Engineering has additional supports in place, such as funding from the Engineering Life Event Fund, to help maintain continuity in scholarship during pregnancy/parental, medical, or family-related leaves. 

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration, and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities (“visible minorities”), persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

We invite all applicants to complete a brief Diversity Survey as part of the application process.  It takes approximately two minutes to complete during the online application process. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. All information collected is confidential and will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the applicant pool and to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive talent acquisition process. Inquiries about the Diversity Survey may be directed to hr.empequity@mcmaster.ca.

Applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247) or the Executive Officer in the Faculty of Engineering at 905-525-9140 ext. 24900 to communicate accommodation needs.

Pay Transparency Statement

The starting salary will not be less than $94,167, and will be determined based on rank, discipline, experience, and qualifications. Salaries for faculty members progress through a Career Progress/Merit Plan; average salaries by rank and Faculty for previous academic years can be found here. 

How to apply:

Please visit our Current Opportunities webpage https://hr.mcmaster.ca/careers/current- opportunities/  to submit your application electronically to job opening 73890 by March 15, 2026, addressed to

Chair of Search Committee, JHE-A315

Department of Engineering Physics

Faculty of Engineering

McMaster University

Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7

Canada

and submit the following materials:

• a letter of application together with a Curriculum Vitae. Describe the impact that career interruptions may have had on research productivity (if applicable);
• a two-page research statement, including a selection of research publications (no more than four examples);
• a two-page statement on teaching interests and philosophy (including evidence of teaching effectiveness);
• a one-page statement describing the contributions you have made or plan to make to inclusive excellence in teaching, research, or service in academic, professional or community contexts, including how the candidate will contribute to the advancement of the University’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: Towards Inclusive Excellence within the Faculty of Engineering; and
• the names and contact information for at least three referees.  Please note that letters of reference are not required and will not be reviewed at the application stage.  The Department will request letters of recommendation from referees at later stages of the search process.  Referees should not be in a conflict of interest and at least one should be recognized as an international authority in your field and not residing in the country in which you are currently working. In cases where the applicant is a Canadian Indigenous researcher (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) based in Canada, the name and contact information of an international referee is not required.

McMaster University recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions and personal circumstances (e.g. pregnancy, early childcare, eldercare, illness, etc.) can have on an applicant’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their applications the impact that career interruptions, or other issues may have had.

Review of applications will begin March 16, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. The effective date of appointment is negotiable, but July 1, 2026 or January 1, 2027 is preferred.  All applicants will receive an online confirmation of receipt of their application; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews. Applicants with questions regarding this recruitment should contact Robert Laidler, laidlerr@mcmaster.ca

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University gathers information about applicants’ status as either a permanent resident of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements:

• Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
• No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring proce