Director, Research

Texas A&M University System • Bryan, TX

7d

About The Position

The Director, Research of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute has full technical responsibility for planning, directing, and serving as the Institute’s Principal Investigator. With a primary focus on quantum photonics, AI, and advanced semiconductor technologies, the Director identifies external and internal research opportunities by drawing on the collaborative research strengths of The Texas A&M University System. The Director leads efforts to identify, hire, and onboard talent needed to achieve the Institute’s research objectives, and partners with university, consortium, industry, and government affiliates to lead research relevant to industry and government needs and coordinate the Institute’s research vectors.

The role combines individual-contributor research leadership with supervision of staff and major projects. It develops research portfolios, partnerships, technical capabilities, and proposals that advance semiconductor research and help secure funding. The position also works with other Institute Directors to align programs and research.

This is a security-sensitive position restricted to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon verification of credentials and other required information. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to the completed employment application.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in an applicable field, such as Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Twelve years of related experience, including at least eight years in a research setting or industrial semiconductor setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantum photonics, AI, and advanced semiconductor technologies.
• Strong supervisory and team-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, organizational, and customer-service skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Sound judgment.
• Knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Nice To Haves

• Strong background in quantum photonics.
• Experience applying for public grants related to quantum technologies or semiconductor research.
• Experience working in defense and/or other government contracting in quantum and photonics fields.
• Track record of successful collaborations with national laboratories and industry partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct research projects in quantum photonics as Principal Investigator.
• Coordinate research and development across disciplines, including exploring subject areas, defining project scope, selecting problems for investigation, and developing novel concepts and technical approaches.
• Build a research portfolio within the Institute and in partnership with others, advancing semiconductor research addressing challenges in quantum technologies and advanced-node wafer processing.
• Collaborate with partners to develop and implement new or expanded technical capabilities in quantum photonics that affect future research projects and strengthen the organization’s ability to procure funding.
• Monitor technical methods and developments in quantum photonics and semiconductor research and recommend changes in program emphasis or new programs.
• Foster partnerships with research institutions, industry leaders, government agencies, and other key stakeholders in the quantum technology ecosystem.
• Plan, develop, coordinate, and direct several large and significant projects or projects of major scope and importance.
• Plan, organize, and supervise scientists, engineers, and technicians; evaluate staff progress and results and recommend major changes to achieve objectives.
• Define staffing needs, selection and assessment criteria, and hiring processes for research and engineering staff.
• Identify, propose, and lead strategies and initiatives critical to the Institute, including programs of national or international significance.
• Present papers, join panels, chair committees, participate on advisory and policy boards, journals, and societies, serve as a peer reviewer of major technical programs, and network nationally and internationally.
• Lead development and implementation of technical capabilities that will affect future research projects and improve the organization’s competitive position in procuring funding.
• Typically direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation.
• Work collaboratively with other Institute Directors to ensure alignment of programs and research.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Defined-benefit retirement plan with an employer contribution through the Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• If applicable, defined-contribution retirement plan with an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor.
• Additional voluntary tax-deferred annuity (TDA) options.
• Tuition assistance.
• Wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

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