ElectroScience Laboratory Director

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Job Title:

ElectroScience Laboratory Director

Department:

Engineering | Electrical and Computer Engineering

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering / ElectroScience Laboratory

College of Engineering

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.

Position Overview

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.

Additional Information:

How to Apply

Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application after you submit it (this includes application materials).

Please include all and only the following required application materials in the Application Documents section, found in the My Experience step (Step 2 of the application process):

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae)/Resume (do not include pictures in your CV/resume): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and/or mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Teaching and Mentoring Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
  • A personal vision for mentoring and/or teaching.
  • A description of teaching and/or mentoring strategies or approaches for which you received training or have implemented.
  • Justification for those strategies, focusing on evidence-based practice, highlighting how to achieve an effective educational environment
  • Describe previous mentoring training and/or experience
• Attachment 4: Research Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
  • Your research questions and their importance; how your research contributes to your field
  • Research plan and future research directions
  • Identify potential collaborations and funding sources
  • Broader impacts of your research (the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes)
  • Plan for student engagement in your research program.
• Attachment 5: Leadership Statement. A statement of your approaches, experiences, and plans for leadership as they apply to the ESL Director position

Please do not include a list of references with your application. We will request this information when we need it.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Joel Johnson [email protected].

Application review:

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

The ElectroScience Laboratory (ESL) is a major research center focused on all aspects of electromagnetics and radio frequency (RF) systems and their applications. Established in 1942, it is one of the oldest and largest electromagnetics laboratories in the United States. ESL has consistently maintained a national and international preeminence. ESL faculty, research scientists and students are involved in all aspects of electromagnetic and RF technologies and their applications. ESL is a distinctive university center where world-class faculty and research scientists lead projects that provide state-of-the-art exploration and superior training for graduate and undergraduate students. The center collaborates with other laboratories across campus and industry partners worldwide.

The College of Engineering

Faculty Development: The Ohio State University and the College of Engineering are committed to support and develop faculty as well as the work-life balance of its faculty. These resources include The Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program, the Better Research through Better Mentoring program, and an institutional membership to the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. To learn more visit: https://engineering.osu.edu/faculty-development.

Learn more about the College of Engineering, the university and Columbus here.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.  

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Location:

ElectroScience Laboratory (0009)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

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Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.