Research Professor

Wright State University; Dayton (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wright State University invites applications for a Research Professor position at the Assistant or Associate level in Microfabrication and Sensor Development to begin on January 1, 2027.

The successful candidate is expected to establish a strong externally funded research program focused on fundamental and applied research in areas including but not limited to microfabrication, sensor development, MEMS/NEMS, and related technologies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field with research emphasis in condensed matter physics, microfabrication, semiconductor technologies, microelectronics, MEMS/NEMS, advanced materials, or sensor development.
• Proven ability to establish an independent, externally funded research program, as evidenced by a strong publication record and sponsored research.
• Experience with semiconductor processing, cleanroom fabrication techniques, device characterization, advanced sensor technologies, or related experimental methods.
• Ph.D. requirements completed by the start date of the appointment.

Responsibilities

• Teaching – 30% of time.
• Research – 60% of time.
• Service – 10% of time.

Skills

Semiconductor processing

Cleanroom fabrication

Device characterization

Sensor development

Research program development

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Post-secondary teaching/mentoring experience

Job description

Wright State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Faculty Rank or Job Title

Faculty Rank or Job Title Research Professor

Job Category:

Job Category: Research

Department

Department Physics

EEO number:

EEO number: 26Y342

Position FTE

100%

Minimum Annual Salary

Minimum Annual Salary Negotiable

Salary Band:

Salary Band: RS S07

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Wright State University invites applications for a Research Professor position at the Assistant or Associate level in Microfabrication and Sensor Development to begin on January 1, 2027. The successful candidate is expected to establish a strong externally funded research program focused on fundamental and applied research in areas including but not limited to (i) microfabrication and nanofabrication techniques, (ii) chemical, biological, or physical sensor development, (iii) MEMS / NEMS devices and integrated microsystems, (iv) flexible, wearable, or additive-manufactured sensors, (v) advanced materials and thin-film technologies for sensing applications, or (vi) microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip systems for environmental, biomedical, aerospace, or defense applications.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment and contribute to expanding research activities across undergraduate and graduate programs. Expectations include developing a nationally competitive research program, securing external funding, establishing collaborations with industry and government laboratories, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers. The candidate is also expected to support instructional and workforce development initiatives in microfabrication, sensors, materials characterization, condensed matter physics and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Wright State is a comprehensive, medium-sized regional university focused on student success while emphasizing experiential learning. The proximity of the campus to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Laboratory fosters strong research collaborations and provides outstanding experiential learning opportunities for students and faculty. Faculty development is critical for student success, and the university offers support for teaching, grant writing, entrepreneurship, and leadership through professional development programs, workshops, and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications – Research Assistant Professor

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field with research emphasis in condensed matter physics, microfabrication, semiconductor technologies, microelectronics, MEMS / NEMS , advanced materials, or sensor development.
• Demonstrated potential to establish an independent, externally funded research program, as evidenced by a strong publication record, participation in sponsored research, and a clear research agenda.
• Experience with semiconductor processing, cleanroom fabrication techniques, device characterization, advanced sensor technologies, or closely related experimental methods.
• At least one year of research, teaching, research mentoring, laboratory instruction, or related experience at the post-secondary level.
• Ph.D. requirements completed by the start date of the appointment.

Additional requirement to be considered for Research Associate Professor

• At least four years of research faculty, industry research, or equivalent professional research experience beyond the Ph.D.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining an independent, externally funded research program, as evidenced by a sustained record of peer-reviewed publications, successful grant funding as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator, and national recognition in the field.
• Demonstrated expertise with semiconductor processing, cleanroom fabrication techniques, device characterization, advanced sensor technologies, or closely related experimental methods.
• Demonstrated experience supervising graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research staff, or research teams.
• Experience with teaching, research mentoring, laboratory instruction, or related activities at the post-secondary level.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research scientist, or in a related postgraduate research position by the start of the appointment
• Demonstrated record of scholarly productivity in microfabrication, semiconductor technologies, microelectronics, advanced materials, MEMS / NEMS , or sensor development
• Experience developing or participating in externally funded research projects with federal agencies, national laboratories, or industry partners
• Documented success in teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, or laboratory instruction at the college or university level
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments and collaborating across engineering, physical sciences, and applied research domains
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations, semiconductor fabrication facilities, or advanced characterization instrumentation
• Documented pedagogical and curricular success at the college level

Essential Functions and percent of time:

The expected workload is as follows:
Teaching – 30%
Research – 60%
Service – 10%

Essential Functions and percent of time (cont'd):

Non-Essential Functions and percent of time:

Working Conditions

To preserve the safety and security of the campus community and to maintain the integrity of university operations, it is the policy of Wright State University making an employment offer contingent on various background checks, such as a criminal record, credit history when job related and/or education verifications. Additionally, an administrative review shall be conducted whenever the university learns that an employee is charged with or convicted of a crime (except for minor vehicle violations). Frequently asked questions related to background checks may be found on the Human resources website at http://www.wright.edu/human-resources . Effective July 1, 2017, per Policy 7230 Wright State University is tobacco-free. Tobacco use, including the sale, advertising sampling and distribution of tobacco products and tobacco related items is prohibited in all university facilities, on all university owned or leased grounds, university owned or operated residence halls and apartments, and at all university sponsored events regardless of location. Tobacco use is also prohibited in all university vehicles or on any equipment owned, leased or operated by Wright State University. This policy applies to anyone on campus including students, faculty, staff, visitors, consultants, vendors, patients, volunteers, and contractor employees.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Posting Date

Posting Date 08/31/2026

First Consideration Date:

First Consideration Date: 10/01/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled No

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Dayton, OH 45435 USA