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POSITION SPECIFICSDirector, 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
A terminal academic degree is not required for this appointment.
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.
Please submit a cover letter and resume for consideration.
BENEFITSPenn 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.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
