Director, Critical Materials Innovation Alliance

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications and nominations for the inaugural Director of the Penn State Critical Materials Alliance (Penn State CMA), a university-wide initiative focused on advancing research, workforce development, industry engagement, and innovation across the critical minerals and materials value chain.

The Director will lead interdisciplinary teams and build industry and federal partnerships to secure funding, while positioning Penn State as a national leader in

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in engineering, materials science, geosciences, chemistry, physics, or a closely related field.
• Qualifications commensurate with appointment as a tenured Professor; exceptional Associate Professors may be considered.
• Internationally recognized scholarship in critical minerals, materials, energy technologies, or related fields.
• Proven record leading large interdisciplinary programs and collaboration.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with academia, industry, government.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the Penn State CMA.
• Lead interdisciplinary teams across colleges, institutes, and campuses.
• Expand partnerships with industry, federal agencies, national laboratories, state agencies, and international collaborators.
• Develop and lead large-scale research initiatives and center-scale proposals to federal sponsors.
• Advance educational and workforce initiatives for students, postdoctoral scholars, and technical professionals.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship building

Communication

Education

Earned doctorate in engineering or closely related field

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications and nominations for the inaugural Director of the Penn State Critical Materials Alliance (Penn State CMA), a university-wide initiative focused on advancing research, workforce development, industry engagement, and innovation across the critical minerals and materials value chain.

The Director will lead interdisciplinary teams and build industry and federal partnerships to secure funding, while positioning Penn State as a national leader in