Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, Optical Engineering (Multiple Positions) | Wyant College of Optical Sciences

Oct. 12, 2023
Posting Number req18013
Department James C Wyant Coll Optical Sci
Department Website Link https://www.optics.arizona.edu/
Medical Sub-Speciality  
Location Main Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences (OSC) at the University of Arizona (UArizona) invites applications for tenure/tenure-track faculty positions at all levels in the general area of Optical Engineering. 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 supports the university’s goals to create an inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students. We welcome and encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups, to apply.

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

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

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 new Endowed Chairs in Optical Science positions in the college.  While positions are open at all levels, very highly accomplished applicants will also be considered as potential recipients for the nine Endowed Chairs that are available to be awarded:

  • Jean M. Bennett Optica Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
  • Thomas R. Brown Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
  • Nelson E. Claytor Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
  • Robert M. Edmund Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
  • John B. Hayes Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
  • Bahram Jalali Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
  • Jack Lee Jewell Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
  • William F. and Helen M. Reynolds Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences
  • Robert R. Shannon Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences

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 Medical Imaging. Additional 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.
 
The University of Arizona is located in beautiful Tucson, a vibrant multicultural city in the spectacular US Southwest. For more information regarding the University and Tucson, please click here.

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 a diverse group of 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.

Minimum Qualifications
  • 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 from early career through senior faculty are encouraged to apply.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 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.
Rank To be Determined
Tenure Information Tenure Track (T/TE)
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Academic
Job Category Faculty
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay DOE-Salary commensurate with experience.
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies Multiple Vacancies
Target Hire Date 10/19/2023
Expected End Date  
Contact Information for Candidates Search Committee Chair: Dr. Hong Hua, hhua@optics.arizona.edu
Open Date 10/12/2023
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant 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.
Documents 3-4 may be uploaded into the additional document sections.
Diversity Statement At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

Apply online