About this opportunity
Penn State University lists this Director, Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance opportunity in university park, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Director, Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance (SCIA)
Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR) and the Materials Research Institute (MRI)
The Pennsylvania State University
Position Overview The Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance (SCIA) at Penn State Materials Research Institute seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its next Director. SCIA is an industry-engaged research alliance focused on advancing silicon carbide (SiC) materials, crystal growth, wafer processing, and device-relevant technologies critical to next-generation power electronics, energy systems, and national security applications. The Director will lead a rapidly growing, externally funded research enterprise that integrates university research strengths with industry needs. This role requires a strategic builder who can expand industrial membership, secure government funding, and translate technical capabilities into impactful collaborations. SCIA operates at the intersection of academia, industry, and government, and is closely aligned with Penn State’s broader leadership in semiconductors, materials science, and workforce development.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Growth
Develop and execute a multi-year strategic vision to grow SCIA’s technical capabilities, membership, and national visibility
Expand SCIA’s industrial consortium model, including recruitment and retention of member companies
Identify emerging opportunities in SiC and wide bandgap semiconductors and position SCIA for leadership
Research Development & Funding
Lead proposal development for federal agencies (e.g., DoD, DOE, NSF) and large-scale initiatives
Build and manage a diversified funding portfolio spanning industry, federal, and state sources
Translate industry needs into funded research programs and collaborative projects
Industry Engagement & Partnerships
Serve as the primary liaison between SCIA and industry partners while working closely with the MRI Industrial Liaison and Penn State Corporate Engagement Center for member recruitment
Develop long-term strategic partnerships with semiconductor manufacturers, suppliers, and end users
Operations & Financial Management
Oversee budgets across multiple projects and funding streams, ensuring financial sustainability and transparency
Manage center operations, including staffing, facilities utilization, and reporting requirements
Implement performance metrics and reporting structures aligned with stakeholder expectations
Team Leadership & Workforce Development
Lead and mentor interdisciplinary teams of faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture
Support workforce development initiatives aligned with semiconductor manufacturing and materials innovation
Research Translation & Impact
Accelerate the transition of research outcomes into industry-relevant solutions
Support intellectual property development, technology transfer, and commercialization pathways
Promote SCIA capabilities nationally through workshops, consortia, and technical forums
Qualifications
Required
Demonstrated expertise in silicon carbide (SiC) materials, crystal growth, wafer processing, or closely related semiconductor technologies
Proven track record of securing and managing externally funded research/manufacturing programs
Experience working with or within industry, including collaborative R&D or product development
Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience managing teams and complex projects
Excellent communication skills and ability to engage stakeholders across academia, industry, and government
Preferred
Significant industrial experience (10+ years) in semiconductor manufacturing, materials processing, or related fields
Experience leading or participating in industry consortia or research alliances
Demonstrated success in building partnerships and growing membership-based organizations
Experience managing shared research infrastructure or core facilities
Professor of Practice Opportunity
Penn State welcomes candidates from industry who bring deep practical experience and leadership in semiconductor technologies. Candidates may be considered for appointment as Professor of Practice, a non-tenure-track faculty title designed for individuals with extensive industry leadership experience.
Per Penn State guidelines, Professor of Practice candidates typically:
Possess 10+ years of high-level experience in industry or government
Are nationally or internationally recognized for their contributions
Bring a unique ability to bridge academic research and real-world application
Reporting Structure and Environment
The Director will report to the leadership of the Materials Research Institute and work closely with the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and Office of the VP for Research. The position interfaces broadly with Penn State colleges, core facilities, and external partners. SCIA benefits from proximity to world-class infrastructure, including materials synthesis, characterization, and semiconductor processing facilities, enabling end-to-end innovation from crystal growth to device-relevant testing.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Benefits
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact . Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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Who can apply
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