Associate/Full Professor (Tenure)

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona invites applications for the William F. and Helen M. Reynolds Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences, a tenure/tenure-track faculty position in Optical Engineering. The position is envisioned at the associate or full professor rank. Applicants may also be considered for a non-chaired tenure-track assistant professor position. The successful candidate will establish an independent research program that broadens the College’s capabilities and creates synergies with existing research and the University’s cross-disciplinary community. Joint appointments across departments and colleges are possible. Experience in private-sector enterprises may be valuable.

The Optical Engineering program encompasses research and education in areas including precision optical fabrication, optical system design, optical metrology, opto-mechanical engineering, high-performance imaging and non-imaging systems, optical materials and metamaterials, biomedical optics and instrumentation, AR/VR technologies, astronomy and space exploration optics, infrared systems, hyperspectral imaging, remote sensing, and lidar. Applicants in other areas of optical engineering are also encouraged to apply.

The appointee is expected to demonstrate excellence in research and undergraduate and graduate teaching, develop a strong record of student mentorship, contribute to College service and outreach, attract and work effectively with students and colleagues, develop relevant courses, and teach the core curriculum exceptionally. For applicants from private-sector or government laboratory settings, related credentials demonstrating communication skills, technical depth, and leadership may address a lack of a proven teaching or extramural funding record.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Optics, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or a related field. Candidates at all levels of expertise beyond the Ph.D. may apply. Postdoctoral research leadership, teaching, and industrial experience in optics are desirable. The position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, with 40 hours worked per week. Compensation is salary at 1.0 FTE, rate of pay DOE. The target hire date is August 16, 2027.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Optics, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in research and undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Ability to work with and attract undergraduate and graduate students and colleagues.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and demonstrated leadership roles in postdoctoral research.
• Teaching experience in optics.
• Industrial experience in optics.
• Experience in private-sector enterprises.
• For private-sector or government laboratory applicants, related credentials demonstrating strong communication skills, technical depth, and leadership may serve in place of a proven teaching or extramural research funding record.

Responsibilities

• Develop and cultivate a world-renowned, independent research program in the candidate’s field.
• Establish a strong record of student mentorship and teaching.
• Participate in undergraduate and graduate education.
• Participate in College service and outreach.
• Attract and work with undergraduate and graduate students and colleagues.
• Develop novel courses related to the candidate’s expertise and teach the core curriculum exceptionally.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance and disability programs.
• Sick leave and holidays.
• University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members.
• Retirement plans.
• Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities.
• Work-life programs.
• Full benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree