In 1943, he received a PhD from University of Rochester, then became an instructor in the Department of Zoology, a position that he kept through 1944.
From 1944 to 1946, he was a Research Associate on the Manhattan Project, later publishing "Our Atomic Heritage" about his experiences.
In 1965, he moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey, taking the position of dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University.
In 1972, he became Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the Chicago Circle at the University of Illinois, then was appointed special assistant to the President from 1974 to 1976.
In 1986, he retired from the chancellorship and was named Chancellor Emeritus and Research Professor.