Director, Research

Texas A&M • Bryan, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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

The position combines individual research leadership with supervision of significant projects and staff. The Director develops research programs and technical capabilities, builds partnerships and a competitive research portfolio, contributes to proposal preparation, and represents the Institute in professional and policy settings. 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 depends on verification of credentials and other required information. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a 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 an 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.
• Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation; employment is contingent on verification of credentials and other required information.

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 quantum photonics research projects as Principal Investigator.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary research and development, including exploring subject areas, defining scope, selecting problems for investigation, and developing novel technical concepts and 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 quantum photonics technical capabilities that support future research and improve the organization’s competitiveness in procuring funding.
• Monitor technical methods and developments in quantum photonics and semiconductor research and recommend changes in program emphasis or new programs as warranted.
• Foster partnerships with research institutions, industry leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders in the quantum technology ecosystem.
• Plan, develop, coordinate, and direct several large and significant projects or a project 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.
• Propose and lead strategies and initiatives critical to the Institute, including guiding programs of national or international significance.
• Present papers, participate in panels, chair committees, serve on advisory or policy boards, journals, and societies, peer-review major technical programs, and network nationally and internationally.
• Typically direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation.
• Collaborate with other Institute Directors to align programs and research.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Paid 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