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Director, Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance (SCIA)

Office of theSeniorVice 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 Instituteseeksa dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its next Director. SCIA is anindustry-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

• Identifyemerging opportunities inSiCand 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 partnerswhile working closely with the MRI IndustrialLiaisonandPenn State Corporate Engagement Centerfor 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, facilitiesutilization, 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

• Demonstratedexpertisein silicon carbide (SiC) materials, crystal growth, wafer processing, or closely related semiconductor technologies

• Proventrack recordof securing and managing externally funded research/manufacturingprograms

• 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 orparticipatingin 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 asProfessor 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 notrequiredfor 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 Sciencesand 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.

Pleasesubmita cover letter and resume for consideration.