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!

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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 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.
 
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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.

About University of Arizona James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences

The James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences, founded as the University of Arizona Optical Science Center, has been shaping the future since 1964 by offering the highest quality graduate and undergraduate educations, cutting edge-research programs and solid commitment to the economic development of the optics industry. Throughout its 59-year history, OSC has stood on the forefront of the field; today, it educates more students in optics than any institution in the U.S., provides the world’s most comprehensive educational program in optics and maintains a worldwide reputation as a premier institution for optical sciences and engineering.

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