Sr. Technical Lead, External Research Programs – Micron Research Labs (Evergreen)

Micron Technology•Boise, ID

About The Position

Micron Research Labs (MRL) seeks an experienced technical leader to drive external research programs with ecosystem partners. The role identifies, shapes, and advances research aligned with Micron’s long-term technology priorities in memory and semiconductor technologies, spanning materials and devices through packaging, architectures, and AI/compute systems. The successful candidate manages external research programs from solicitation and selection through execution and oversight, serving as a technical link between MRL, Micron technology teams, and the global research ecosystem. Candidates may have deep expertise in DRAM, NAND, and/or semiconductor system solutions. Job level and title will be based on the candidate’s experience, scope, and qualifications. The position develops Micron-funded research solicitations, engages research groups and ecosystem partners, evaluates proposals, coordinates selections and awards, and oversees sponsored research projects. It works with internal organizations and external partners to deliver measurable value, manage projects and contracts, report progress and results, and evaluate intellectual property, publications, and technology-transfer opportunities. The role also supports engagement with faculty, graduate researchers, and interns, and collaborates across global regions and time zones.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years or a Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Hands-on experience in semiconductor R&D, technology development, or research.
Demonstrated technical expertise across memory and semiconductor research or technology development, spanning devices, materials, process, packaging, memory architecture, and AI/compute systems.
Experience leading and managing sponsored research programs and technical collaborations with universities, national laboratories, startups, government-funded research organizations, and industry consortia.
Ability to evaluate technical proposals and communicate complex topics to technical and executive audiences.
Experience using Generative AI and other AI-enabled tools to improve technical analysis, research evaluation, engineering documentation, and program execution while critically validating outputs.
Demonstrated project leadership, including the ability to lead independently, influence matrixed organizations, and present effectively to executive audiences.

Nice To Haves

Record of publications, patents, or recognized technical contributions.
Knowledge of research funding mechanisms, IP protection, export compliance, and technology transfer.
Experience building and maintaining relationships across academia, government laboratories, industry research organizations, or innovation ecosystems.

Responsibilities

Develop and issue Micron-funded research solicitations for defined technical challenges aligned with MRL’s research agenda and themes.
Identify and engage university research groups worldwide to participate in solicitations.
Receive and evaluate proposals for technical merit and alignment with MRL priorities, and support selection and award processes with MRL technical leaders, Legal, Procurement, and Finance.
Identify university research teams in domains relevant to MRL’s agenda and build relationships aligned with strategic research priorities.
Coordinate research partnerships with national laboratories, startups, consortia, and other strategic ecosystem partners when relevant and aligned with MRL priorities.
Lead sponsored research project execution, including scope, schedules, budgets, outputs, dependencies, risks, decisions, and outcomes.
Report program progress and results to MRL leadership; share findings with Micron research and pathfinding teams; and evaluate opportunities related to intellectual property, publications, and technology transfer.
Lead proposal development from kickoff through closeout, including contracting, compliance, project delivery, reporting, and budgets, in partnership with Legal, Finance, Procurement, Government Affairs, and Export Compliance.
Partner with research, technology development, product, engineering, and business organizations to ensure external programs deliver measurable value.
Support talent engagement, including faculty, graduate research, and internships.
Collaborate across global regions and time zones.