Louisiana Light Source Director

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Job Posting Title:

Louisiana Light Source Director

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM Office of Research and Economic Development (Robert R Twilley (00009725))

Work Location:

CAMD Office Building #1

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

The Louisiana Light Source (LLS), formally known as the Center for Advanced Microstructures & Devices at Louisiana State University, is home to one of only six synchrotrons in the United States. The facility supports a broad research portfolio including major initiatives in areas such as catalysis, minerals processing, agriculture, biotechnology, extreme-uv lithography and materials science. The synchrotron facility is structured within LSU's Office of Research & Economic Development (ORED) and serves as a critical hub for interdisciplinary research including international academic collaborations and programs involving industrial partners and federal agencies including the NSF, NIST, DOE, DOW and NIH. In addition to the 1.3 GeV synchrotron, the LLS is installing a 40 TW laser plasma accelerator (LPA) to facilitate ultrafast (25 fs) time resolution spectroscopy and imaging capabilities.

LSU is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the next Director of the LLS. The new director should have experience in synchrotron and/or LPA-based science and will be expected to define the future vision, mission, and operations of the LLS. The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and strategic direction of the center, including its research facilities, scientific programs, and administrative infrastructure. Suitably qualified applicants may be considered for faculty status.

Job Responsibilities:

Manage the administrative infrastructure, technical and scientific staff, and research facilities to support and promote the success of the broad range of research projects. This includes preparation of budgets, allocation of resources, and strategic planning and coordination with the Office of Research and Economic Development. (25%)

Serve as the principal advocate and ambassador for the evolving programs, articulating and promoting the scientific vision within the university and at the national and international levels. Serves as the liaison with University administration, faculty, research staff and other entities including other universities, federal state, local, professional, industrial and private interests. The Director is expected to maintain a presence on review panels and advisory boards, and to keep apprised of national and international developments in the fields of X-ray science and accelerator physics. (25%)

Lead efforts with federal and state agencies and industry partners coordinating research projects, securing funding and executing projects to advance research infrastructure resources in the areas of materials research, microfabrication, X-ray crystallography, synchrotron radiation, and nanotechnology. The Director also works closely with the principal investigators of major projects to ensure the availability and proper allocation of resources necessary for success. (25%)

Coordinate interdisciplinary research between the synchrotron facility and the appropriate University colleges, departments, centers, and institutes, as well as other campuses, universities, and research entities both foreign and domestic. (20%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 7 years of experience in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply---a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.

Proven record of accomplishment in science and/or engineering research; demonstrated experience leading large organizations, research centers, or major initiatives; proven success in securing and managing large-scale grants and contracts; ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Suitably qualified applicants may be considered for faculty status.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references, including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).

For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected].

For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Dr. Robert Twilley at [email protected].

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

October 14, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

January 27, 2027

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: