Director, Research

This staff position is based in Bryan, Texas, within the Texas A&M University System Offices, which supports a network of 12 universities, a health science center, eight state agencies, and the RELLIS Campus.

About the role

The Director, Research of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI) holds full technical responsibility for planning, directing, and serving as Principal Investigator for the Institute. With a primary focus on quantum photonics, AI, and advanced semiconductor technologies, the Director will harness the collaborative research strengths of the Texas A&M University System to identify external and internal research opportunities. The role leads efforts to identify, hire, and onboard talent to achieve TSI research objectives, and partners across university, consortia, industry, and government affiliates to spearhead industry- and government-relevant research supporting development and coordination of TSI research vectors.

Responsibilities

• As an individual contributor, leads and directs research projects in quantum photonics, serving as Principal Investigator.
• Coordinates research and development activities across disciplines, including exploration of subject areas, definition of scope, selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches in technical areas.
• Contributes as a distinguished quantum photonics and semiconductor process expert to build a research portfolio within TSI and in partnership with others that advances semiconductor research addressing key challenges in quantum technologies and advanced node wafer processing.
• Collaborates with partners to develop and implement new and/or expanded technical capabilities in quantum photonics that will impact future research projects; provides the organization with a distinct competitive advantage in procuring funding.
• Stays abreast of new technical methods and developments affecting quantum photonics and semiconductor research for the purpose of recommending changes in emphasis of programs or new programs warranted by such developments.
• Fosters partnerships with key stakeholders in the quantum technology ecosystem, including other research institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies.
• In a supervisory capacity, plans, develops, coordinates, and directs several large and significant projects or a project of major scope and importance; may be responsible for an entire scientific and/or engineering program when the program is of limited complexity and scope.
• Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of a staff of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Evaluates progress of the staff and results obtained and recommends major changes to achieve overall objectives.
• Defines staffing needs, selection/assessment criteria, and hiring process for research/engineering staff.
• Identifies, proposes, and leads new strategies/initiatives critical to the Institute; guides programs of national or international significance.
• Presents papers, joins panels, and chairs committees; participates on advisory/policy boards, journals, and societies; serves as peer reviewer of major technical programs; networks nationally and internationally.
• Leads the development and implementation of new and/or expanded technical capabilities that will impact future research projects; provides the organization with a distinct competitive advantage in procuring funding.
• Typically directs and/or participates in major proposal preparation and presentation.
• Works collaboratively with other Institute Directors to ensure alignment of programs and research.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in an applicable field (e.g., Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field).
• Twelve years of related experience, with at least eight years in a research setting or an industrial semiconductor setting.

Skills

• 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 judgement.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantum photonics, AI, and advanced semiconductor technologies.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred qualifications

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

Benefits

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

Other requirements

• This is a security-sensitive position restricted to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only.
• Only complete applications will be considered; incomplete job application data could result in rejection without an option to reapply.
• A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.
• Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation; employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including completion of the criminal history check.