Associate/Full Professor (Tenure)

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona invites applications for the William F. Reynolds Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences. The hire will be at the full or associate professor rank, with consideration for a non-chaired tenure-track assistant professor position.

We seek candidates who will build a strong independent research program, collaborate across the university, and contribute to teaching and service within a vibrant cross-disciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Optics, Physical Sciences, Engineering or related field.
• Experience leading independent research programs.
• Record of teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent research program aligned with OSC strengths.
• Mentor students and teach at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Collaborate across departments and colleges.
• Contribute to outreach and service activities.

Skills

Leadership in research

Teaching excellence

Collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in Optics or related field

Job description

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences (OSC) at the University of Arizona invites applications from exceptional scientists and engineers for the William F. and Helen M. Reynolds Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences, a tenure/tenure-track faculty position in the general area of Optical Engineering. We envision hiring at the full or associate professor rank for this endowed chair position. Applicants may also be considered for a non-chaired tenure-track assistant professor position.

We encourage applications from researchers whose expertise and interests will complement or strengthen current efforts at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences and across the University of Arizona. The Wyant College of Optical Sciences seeks to create a supportive environment for all faculty, staff, and students. We welcome and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

The WyantCollege of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona is world-renowned forthe breadth and depth of its research and education programs. The college’sOptical Engineering program is one of four major research areas and the core ofour undergraduate program with a broad scope of activity and interests.These range from innovations in broad areas of optical engineering (e.g.precision optical fabrication techniques, optical system design methods,optical metrology, opto-mechanical engineering), novel design ofhigh-performance imaging and non-imaging systems, optical materials andmetamaterials, biomedical optics and instrumentation, augmented and virtualreality (AR/VR) technologies, optics for astronomy and space exploration,infrared systems, hyperspectral imaging, remote sensing and lidar. The positionis not limited to these areas and applicants in other fields of opticalengineering are encouraged to apply.

Thesuccessful candidate will develop their own independent research program tobroaden the capabilities of the College but also find synergy with currentWyant College of Optical Sciences research programs and benefit from thevibrant cross-disciplinary research culture at the University of Arizona. TheOptical Engineering group enjoys particularly strong linkages with Astronomy,Space Optical Systems, Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, andDepartment of Radiology and Imaging Sciences. Joint appointments in the various departments across multiple collegesare also possible.
Experience inprivate-sector enterprises can be a valuable candidate asset. The Wyant Collegeof Optical Sciences, and the Optical Engineering group in particular, enjoystrong engagement with private-sector stakeholders addressing previouslyunknown challenges and intellectual opportunities encountered while advancingcutting edge technologies to the market.

Duties and Responsibilities

Candidates for this tenure/tenure-track position should demonstrate a commitment to excellence both in research in their field and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Duties include:

• Cultivating a world-renowned research program.
• Establishing a strong record of student mentorship and teaching.
• Participating in both undergraduate and graduate education.
• Participating in service and outreach for the College.

For private sector or government laboratory applicants, lack of a proven teachingor extramural research funding record could be addressed with other relatedcredentials that demonstrate strong communications skills and a demonstratedhistory of technical depth and leadership. We seek an individual who isable to work with and attract various undergraduate and graduate students andcolleagues. Development of novel courses pertaining to the candidate’sarea of expertise, as well as exceptional teaching of our core curriculum, isexpected.

Minimum Qualifications

• The applicant must hold a Ph.D.(or an equivalent doctorate degree) in Optics, Physical Sciences,Engineering or related fields.
• Candidates with all levels of expertise beyond the Ph.D. may apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and demonstrated leadership roles in post-doctorate research, and teaching and industrial experience in optics is desirable.
• Experience in private-sector enterprises can be a valuable candidate asset.

Rank

To be Determined

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Academic

Job Category

Faculty

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

DOE

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

8/16/2027

Contact Information for Candidates

Dr. Ron Driggers,
[e-mail]

Open Date

10/8/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume, Cover Letter, and Three Additional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicant

Please upload the following documents with your application:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae which includes list of publications, and the names and contact information for three references as the final page
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Research Interests
• If your background includes teaching experience, please submit teaching examples such as: statement or portfolio of teaching experience

Documents 3-5 may be uploaded into the additional document sections.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].