Associate/Full Professor (Tenure) | Wyant College of Optical Sciences; holder of the William F. and Helen M. Reynolds Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences (OSC) at the University of Arizona invites applications from exceptional scientists and engineers for the William F. and Helen M. Reynolds Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences, a tenure/tenure-track faculty position in the general area of Optical Engineering. We envision hiring at the full or associate professor rank for this endowed chair position. Applicants may also be considered for a non-chaired tenure-track assistant professor position.

We encourage applications from researchers whose expertise and interests will complement or strengthen current efforts at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences and across the University of Arizona. The Wyant College of Optical Sciences seeks to create a supportive environment for all faculty, staff, and students. We welcome and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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The Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona is world-renowned for the breadth and depth of its research and education programs. The college’s Optical Engineering program is one of four major research areas and the core of our undergraduate program with a broad scope of activity and interests.  These range from innovations in broad areas of optical engineering (e.g. precision optical fabrication techniques, optical system design methods, optical metrology, opto-mechanical engineering), novel design of high-performance imaging and non-imaging systems, optical materials and metamaterials, biomedical optics and instrumentation, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies, optics for astronomy and space exploration, infrared systems, hyperspectral imaging, remote sensing and lidar. The position is not limited to these areas and applicants in other fields of optical engineering are encouraged to apply.

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences has also been fortunate to receive philanthropic support to create 14 Endowed Chairs in Optical Science positions in the college.  The William F. and Helen M. Reynolds Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences is one of three remaining endowed chairs to be filled with an inaugural recipient. 

The successful candidate will develop their own independent research program to broaden the capabilities of the College but also find synergy with current Wyant College of Optical Sciences research programs and benefit from the vibrant cross-disciplinary research culture at the University of Arizona. The Optical Engineering group enjoys particularly strong linkages with Astronomy, Space Optical Systems, Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences. Joint appointments in the various departments across multiple colleges are also possible.
Experience in private-sector enterprises can be a valuable candidate asset. The Wyant College of Optical Sciences, and the Optical Engineering group in particular, enjoy strong engagement with private-sector stakeholders addressing previously unknown challenges and intellectual opportunities encountered while advancing cutting edge technologies to the market.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Candidates for this tenure/tenure-track position should demonstrate a commitment to excellence both in research in their field and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Duties include:

• Cultivating a world-renowned research program.
• Establishing a strong record of student mentorship and teaching.
• Participating in both undergraduate and graduate education.
• Participating in service and outreach for the College.

For private sector or government laboratory applicants, lack of a proven teaching or extramural research funding record could be addressed with other related credentials that demonstrate strong communications skills and a demonstrated history of technical depth and leadership.  We seek an individual who is able to work with and attract various undergraduate and graduate students and colleagues.  Development of novel courses pertaining to the candidate’s area of expertise, as well as exceptional teaching of our core curriculum, is expected.

• The applicant must hold a Ph.D. (or an equivalent doctorate degree) in Optics, Physical Sciences, Engineering or related fields.
• Candidates with all levels of expertise beyond the Ph.D. may apply.

• Experience and demonstrated leadership roles in post-doctorate research, and teaching and industrial experience in optics is desirable.
• Experience in private-sector enterprises can be a valuable candidate asset.

Please upload the following documents with your application:

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae which includes list of publications, and the names and contact information for three references as the final page
3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
4. Statement of Research Interests
5. If your background includes teaching experience, please submit teaching examples such as: statement or portfolio of teaching experience

Documents 3-5 may be uploaded into the additional document sections.