Research Professor, Department of Physics

Wright State University; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; 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 will establish a strong externally funded research program and contribute to interdisciplinary research across undergraduate and graduate programs.

The candidate will mentor students, collaborate with industry and government labs, and support instructional initiatives in

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, or closely related field with research emphasis in condensed matter physics, microfabrication, semiconductor technologies, microelectronics, MEMS/NEMS, advanced materials, or sensor development.
• Potential to establish independent externally funded research program evidenced by publications and grants.
• Experience with semiconductor processing, cleanroom fabrication techniques, device characterization, or related experimental methods.
• At least one year of post-secondary level research/teaching/mentoring experience.
• PhD requirements completed by start date.

Responsibilities

• Develop a nationally competitive externally funded research program.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Establish collaborations with industry and government laboratories.
• Support instructional and workforce development initiatives in relevant fields.

Skills

PhD in Physics

Microfabrication

Sensor development

Semiconductor processing

Mentoring students

Education

PhD in Physics/related field

Tools

Cleanroom facilities

Semiconductor processing

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Research Professor

Wright State University

EEO Statement: Wright State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Faculty Rank or Job Title: Research Professor

Job Category: Research

Department: Physics

EEO number: 26Y342

Position FTE: 100%

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%

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, consultant- vens, vendors, and contractor employees.

First Consideration Date: 10/01/2026