Louisiana Light Source Director

Louisiana State University; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement options

Paid holidays

Tuition exemption

Training and development

Job summary

Louisiana Light Source Director at Louisiana State University oversees the strategic direction and administration of the research center. The role leads research programs, facilities, and staff within the CAMD Office Building #1, guiding interdisciplinary collaborations and external partnerships.

The director will define the future vision, secure funding, and coordinate with university leadership, federal agencies, and industry partners to advance materials science, nanotechnology, and related

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of experience in a scientific/engineering leadership role.
• Preferred Ph.D. with demonstrated leadership of large organizations or centers.
• Proven ability to secure and manage large grants and contracts; strong communication of technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Manage administrative infrastructure, staff, and facilities; budgets and strategic planning.
• Advocate for the program and articulate the scientific vision at national and international levels.
• Lead coordination with federal/state agencies, industry partners, and funders to secure resources.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary research across departments and campuses, domestic and international.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Ph.D. in a relevant field

Job description

Job Posting Title: Louisiana Light Source Director

Position Type: Professional / Unclassified

Department: LSUAM Office of Research and Economic Development (Robert R Twilley (00009725))

Work Location: CAMD Office Building #1

Pay Grade: Professional

Job Description

The Louisiana Light Source (LLS), formally known as the Center for Advanced Microstructures & Devices at Louisiana State University, is home to one of only six synchrotrons in the United States. The facility supports a broad research portfolio including major initiatives in areas such as catalysis, minerals processing, agriculture, biotechnology, extreme-uv lithography and materials science. The synchrotron facility is structured within LSU's Office of Research & Economic Development (ORED) and serves as a critical hub for interdisciplinary research including international academic collaborations and programs involving industrial partners and federal agencies including the NSF, NIST, DOE, DOW and NIH. LSU is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the next Director of the LLS. The new director should have experience in synchrotron science and will be expected to define the future vision, mission, and operations of the LLS. The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and strategic direction of the center, including its research facilities, scientific programs, and administrative infrastructure. Suitably qualified applicants may be considered for faculty status.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the administrative infrastructure, technical and scientific staff, and research facilities to support and promote the success of the broad range of research projects. This includes preparation of budgets, allocation of resources, and strategic planning and coordination with the Office of Research and Economic Development. (25%)
• Serve as the principal advocate and ambassador for the evolving programs, articulating and promoting the scientific vision within the university and at the national and international levels. Serves as the liaison with University administration, faculty, research staff and other entities including other universities, federal state, local, professional, industrial and private interests. The Director is expected to maintain a presence on review panels and advisory boards, and to keep apprised of national and international developments in the fields of X-ray science and accelerator physics. (25%)
• Lead efforts with federal and state agencies and industry partners coordinating research projects, securing funding and executing projects to advance research infrastructure resources in the areas of materials research, microfabrication, X-ray crystallography, synchrotron radiation, and nanotechnology. The Director also works closely with the principal investigators of major projects to ensure the availability and proper allocation of resources necessary for success. (25%)
• Coordinate interdisciplinary research between the synchrotron facility and the appropriate University colleges, departments, centers, and institutes, as well as other campuses, universities, and research entities both foreign and domestic. (20%)
• Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 7 years of experience in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline. LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply---a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline. Proven record of accomplishment in science and/or engineering research; demonstrated experience leading large organizations, research centers, or major initiatives; proven success in securing and managing large-scale grants and contracts; ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Suitably qualified applicants may be considered for faculty status.

Skills Needed

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date

September 29, 2026

Closing Date

January 27, 2027

Additional Position Information

• Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
• Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
• Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance.
• Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Equal Opportunity Statement

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

LSU Overview

LSU includes institutions, facilities and programs in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and its campuses stretch the length of the state from New Orleans to Shreveport. Each institution plays a vital role in preparing students to incorporate new knowledge and technologies into their daily lives. LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide-range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others. Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land-, sea- and space-grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences. The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (“LSU”), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University at Alexandria Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana State University at Shreveport LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans LSU Health Science Center – Shreveport The Health Care Services Division Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Pennington Biomedical Research Center Any other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher-scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world-class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural, and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.