At Shire, we are proud and grateful to employ military veterans and thank them for their contributions to our company and our country. See where your military experience can play a role at Shire by using our military skills translator job search tool below:
Reference #: REQ_0000064968 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The Materials Research Institute (MRI) at Penn State is seeking exceptional candidates for a non-tenure track Assistant Research Professor position, serving as the Operations Director.
The successful applicant will be responsible for the comprehensive oversight and management of a Silicon Carbide Facility, including synthesis, slicing, polishing, and characterization processes. This role requires a strategic approach, strong leadership skills, and an extensive understanding of materials science principles and industrial operations.
Responsibilities: Develop and implement strategic plans and operational objectives for the Silicon Carbide Facility, aligning with organizational goals and industry best practices. Oversee all aspects of facility operations, including synthesis, slicing, polishing, and characterization of silicon carbide materials, ensuring efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance. Lead and mentor a team of 1-3 technical staff members, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to maximize individual and collective performance. Establish and maintain relationships with industrial partners, customers, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and identifying opportunities for strategic alliances and business growth. Coordinate with research and development teams to translate experimental findings and technological advancements into scalable production processes and commercial applications. Implement rigorous quality control measures and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize product quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness. Monitor operational performance metrics, analyze data, and generate regular reports to track progress, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions for process optimization and resource allocation. Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, implementing appropriate protocols and procedures to mitigate risks and maintain a safe working environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing, to drive innovation, address operational challenges, and support overall business objectives. Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and competitive landscape in silicon carbide materials science and manufacturing, incorporating relevant insights into strategic planning and decision-making processes.
Education and Experience: PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field. Experience in operations management within a research environment, with preferred expertise in silicon carbide synthesis and processing. Leadership abilities, with a track record of effectively leading and developing high-performing teams. Strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to drive operational excellence and achieve financial targets. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques for performance monitoring and decision support. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to silicon carbide manufacturing operations. Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
The Operations Director role presents a unique opportunity to drive the success and growth of a Silicon Carbide Facility, contributing to advancements in materials science and industrial applications.
This is a term position funded for one year from the date of hire, with excellent possibility of renewal.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion inallits forms.We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts (75% discount for spouse and children), and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits for more detailed information.
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.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Affirmative Action Penn State Policies Copyright InformationHotlines University Park, PA
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 814-865-1473.