Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is hiring a Director for its Materials Research Institute (MRI). In this role, you will provide vision and university-wide leadership to advance excellence in interdisciplinary materials research. You will be responsible for building collaborations, securing funding, managing core facilities, and leading a team.

What You'll Do

Provide vision and university-wide leadership to advance excellence in research.
Build bridges and collaborations among core colleges by developing policies and incentives for faculty participation in high-impact interdisciplinary research.
Facilitate an atmosphere of inclusion and excellence drawing on diverse expertise and perspectives.
Identify new funding opportunities and facilitate the development of large interdisciplinary research programs.
Facilitate research through seminars, workshops, and symposia.
Serve as liaison between the University’s research and state, national, and international organizations.
Set strategy for the institute’s core facilities to deliver quality resources.
Ensure operational excellence and cost efficiency of day-to-day operations for all aspects of the institute.
Be responsible for 75 full-time staff, spanning core facilities, administration, building infrastructure, marketing, and IT.
Maintain Penn State's top national ranking in materials science and materials engineering research.
Spend a portion of your time on your own research.
Support an exceptional team of staff, faculty, and students; provide professional development and opportunities for career advancement.
Mentor the next generation of interdisciplinary leaders and provide a work environment that positions individuals to do their best work.
Have an enthusiasm for fundraising and resource development and the ability to forge opportunities for sponsored research, philanthropic, and industry partnerships.
Translate research into science-technology based solutions, programs, government policies, and practices consistent with Penn State's land grant mission.

What We're Looking For

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Hold a Ph.D.
Have exceptional research and teaching credentials applicable for a tenured professor in an appropriate academic department.
Possess a selfless, empowering orientation and willingness to prioritize collective success.
Have measurable outcomes showcasing ability to advance inclusion and leverage resources (space, equipment, funding, infrastructure, personnel) in strategic and effective ways to achieve objectives.

Team & Environment

You will report directly to the Senior Vice President for Research and work closely with Deans and other university leaders. You will lead a team of 75 full-time staff and oversee a portfolio of over 260 faculty, 50 of which are cofunded.

Benefits & Compensation

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Robust retirement plans.
Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Work Mode

This is an onsite position located in State College, Pennsylvania (central Pennsylvania, Happy Valley).

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.