Senior Research Scientist (Part-time)

Texas A&M University System•Bryan, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Research Scientist is a senior-level applied research position within the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI), focusing on advancing semiconductor technology and manufacturing through independent research, project leadership, and aggressive external funding acquisition. This role is instrumental in transitioning fundamental research into pilot, prototype, and high-mix low-volume product realization within the new TSI fab, lab, and office space at the RELLIS Campus. The Senior Research Scientist will provide technical and project leadership, mentor junior researchers and students, and actively build collaborative research programs with state, federal, corporate, and donor partners in strategic areas like quantum and photonic technology.

Requirements

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
Eight years of related experience in an applied research setting, with a strong emphasis on semiconductor fabrication, device engineering, or related advanced technology areas.
Expertise in semiconductor fabrication and microfabrication workflows.
Experimental design and statistical/numerical data analysis.
Knowledge of advanced materials, quantum devices, and/or photonic integrated circuits.
Ability to develop SOPs and utilization procedures for shared labs/fabs.
Strong technical writing and proposal development skills.
Ability to lead multi-stakeholder, multi-disciplinary projects.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills for industry and government partnerships.
Travel to scientific meetings, conferences, sponsor sites, and industry symposia as needed.
Ability to work outside normal business hours during tool commissioning, experiments, and proposal deadlines.
Must comply with all applicable lab/cleanroom safety protocols and PPE requirements.
Ability to work in laboratory and cleanroom environments, including wearing required PPE (e.g., cleanroom suit, mask, gloves).
Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated record of securing major external research funding state/federal/corporate) as Pl or co-Pl.
Established network within relevant sponsor communities (e.g., CHIPS ecosystem, NSF, DoD)
Demonstrated success translating research into prototypes/pilots or technology transfer
Strong publication record in peer-reviewed venues
Experience commissioning, operating, and maintaining semiconductor process and metrology tools
Experience leading technical teams and mentoring students/junior researchers.
Hands-on knowledge of cleanroom toolsets and process integration.
Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive hand motions, and occasionally lift/move items consistent with lab operations (e.g. samples, small tooling, and consumables).
Cleanroom safety training required; additional safety certifications (e.g., laser, chemical, electrical) as applicable to assigned instrumentation.

Responsibilities

Design, perform, and analyze experiments in semiconductor science and engineering aligned with Institute and project objectives, emphasizing applied research with high potential for technology transfer and commercialization.
Conduct complex, independent research specializing in areas such as advanced materials, microfabrication, quantum devices, and photonic integrated circuits.
Develop, document, and implement procedures and SOPs for utilization of the RELLIS Campus fab/lab space to enable prototype and low-volume product realization.
Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures, data, and manufacturing processes; utilize advanced hardware/software for statistical and numerical data analysis.
Lead preparation and writing of major proposals and grants to secure substantial external funding (state, federal, corporate, and donor).
Identify, cultivate, and sustain strategic research partnerships with industry and government to co-develop semiconductor technologies and secure sponsored research contracts.
Represent TSI at scientific meetings, conferences, and industry symposia; present results and promote Institute capabilities and research thrusts.
Develop and validate technical roadmaps and decision-aid models to align applied research with industry needs and funding priorities.
Provide leadership and mentorship to students, postdocs, and junior staff on experimental design, data analysis, and technical writing/report preparation.
Coordinate laboratory and fab activities, including participation in commissioning, maintenance, and operation of semiconductor instrumentation and equipment.
Ensure strict adherence to all applicable safety standards and protocols within laboratory and cleanroom environments; support continuous improvement of safety culture.
Prepare high-quality data packages, manuscripts, and technical reports for publication in peer-reviewed journals and proceedings, as appropriate to program objectives.
Other duties as assigned.