Director, SiC Innovation Alliance — Industry Leader

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Director for the Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance (SCIA) within the Materials Research Institute. The role leads an externally funded, industry-engaged research enterprise advancing SiC materials, crystal growth, wafer processing, and device-oriented technologies for power electronics and national security.

You will expand industrial membership, secure federal and state funding, translate capabilities into collaborations, and mentor teams across

Qualifications

• Required: Demonstrated expertise in silicon carbide (SiC) materials, crystal growth, wafer processing, or closely related semiconductor technologies.
• Required: Proven track record of securing and managing externally funded research/manufacturing programs.
• Required: Experience working with or within industry, including collaborative R&D or product development.
• Required: Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience managing teams and complex projects.
• Required: Excellent communication skills and ability to engage stakeholders across academia, industry, and government.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Growth: Develop and execute a multi-year strategic vision to grow SCIA’s capabilities, membership, and national visibility.
• Research Development & Funding: Lead proposal development for federal agencies (e.g., DoD, DOE, NSF) and large-scale initiatives; build a diversified funding portfolio.
• Industry Engagement & Partnerships: Serve as primary liaison between SCIA and industry partners; recruit and retain member companies.
• Operations & Financial Management: Oversee budgets across multiple projects and funding streams; manage center operations and reporting.
• Team Leadership & Workforce Development: Lead interdisciplinary teams; foster a collaborative, inclusive, high-performance culture; support workforce development in semiconductor manufacturing and materials innovation.
• Research Translation & Impact: Accelerate transition of research outcomes into industry-relevant solutions and support IP development and technology transfer.

Skills

SiC materials expertise

Crystal growth

Wafer processing

Industry engagement

Fundraising / funding

Leadership

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Director for the Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance (SCIA) within the Materials Research Institute. The role leads an externally funded, industry-engaged research enterprise advancing SiC materials, crystal growth, wafer processing, and device-oriented technologies for power electronics and national security.

You will expand industrial membership, secure federal and state funding, translate capabilities into collaborations, and mentor teams across