ElectroScience Laboratory Director
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
Department:
Engineering | Electrical and Computer Engineering
Position Overview
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ece.osu.edu) at The Ohio State University invites applications for appointment as Director of the ElectroScience Laboratory (electroscience.osu.edu). This position will start as early as January 2026.
The Director of the ElectroScience Laboratory (ESL) is a position that may also include appointment as tenured Associate Professor, Professor, or non-tenure track Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor. The Director
- Serves as the chief executive and technical officer of ESL.
- Provides leadership and strategic direction for ESL and leads the laboratory in the formulation and growth of large research programs.
- Provides leadership in vision setting and strategic planning.
- Works closely with key leadership within the Engineering Research Administration (ERA) of the College of Engineering, other research centers, and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).
- Enhances the public profile of ESL and external relations with government, industry and alumni, and stimulates and mentors faculty, senior researchers, staff and students.
- Responsible for ESL’s strategic plan, financial and operational leadership.
- Leads a laboratory culture that reflects Ohio State’s Shared Values;
- Provides technical leadership and collaboration in industry or government laboratory R&D projects.
- Helps secure major research funding from competitive federal and/or industry grants.
Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of this work, applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents; (3) asylees or refugees; or (4) individuals otherwise described as “protected individuals” pursuant to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).
Performance Objectives
Performance objectives for tenured Associate Professor, Professor, non-tenure track Research Associate Professor, and Research Professor positions are described in the ECE department’s Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure Document available at https://oaa.osu.edu/sites/default/files/links_files/ECE-APT-rev-05-2024.pdf, Sections IV.A.2 and IV.A.3. The ESL Director position further involves performance objectives related to:
ESL Advocacy:
- Promotes the reputation of ESL externally to professional societies, academia, industry, government and the media.
- promotes the reputation of ESL internally to the University, College of Engineering, and the ECE Department.
- establishes and maintains good relations with government and industry sponsors;
- works with ESL faculty and researchers to promote individual programs and professional reputations.
Program Development and Execution:
- Works with faculty and researchers to develop new funding opportunities.
- helps write proposals, secure funding, and create a stable and sustainable business model for the laboratory.
- builds collaborative relationships and partnerships with key R&D funding agencies and key industry stakeholders.
- Oversee program development and seedling research efforts to support strategic ESL program opportunities.
ESL Operations and Growth:
- Works with the ESL Assistant Director to create, monitor and execute the ESL budget, ESL facilities plan and ESL equipment plan.
- works closely with ESL and ECE Personnel Committees to define, recruit and recommend candidates for faculty positions at ESL.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Identifies, recruits, and manages the ESL Industry Consortium (CERF) and annual short courses.
- regularly engages with CoE leadership and centers across the college.
- fosters engagement with ESL alumni; other duties and special projects, as assigned.
Research Team Management:
- Recruits, develops and manages the ESL research team (research scientists, senior research associates and research associates).
- establishes research performance metrics and regularly reviews research team performance, progress and salary plans.
Education and Experience Requirements
Required:
- Extensive track record with research activities aligned with those of the ESL.
- Demonstrated ability to form successful partnership with peers.
- Demonstrated external visibility and impact in research, innovation, and mentorship.
- Successful leadership in obtaining major research funding from competitive federal and/or industry grants.
- Ability to effectively work with state and federal sponsors and senior industry executives to realize an ambitious vision.
- Demonstrated ability to foster external research funding relationships.
- Experience in creating and leveraging partnerships between internal and external entities.
- A track record of mentorship.
- Commitment to the well-being and development of team members.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Desired:
- Executive management and leadership experience.
- Familiarity with academic operations and environment
- Experience in developing organizations, systems and staffing for established and/or growing enterprises.
- Demonstrated efforts in research, teaching, and/or outreach and engagement that reflect Ohio State’s Shared Values.
Additional Information
Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your application electronically via https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/ElectroScience-Laboratory-Director_R138311-2
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans/disability.
