Cornell University seeks an imaginative and collaborative leader to serve as the next director of the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). CHESS is a premier, synchrotron X-ray facility, hosting approximately 1,500 user visits annually from around the globe. CHESS is uniquely positioned on the central campus of a world-class research university, and it is one of only six high-energy (6 GeV) synchrotron X-ray facilities worldwide. CHESS has benefited from support from New York State, National Science Foundation (NSF), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Cornell University.
CHESS has unique experimental infrastructure to support time-resolved studies, high-dynamic range scattering, high-resolution spectroscopy, samples in high magnetic fields, and plant science/agriculture. Extensive scientific programs exist in quantum and energy materials, AI/ML, structural and functional materials, and structural biology. CHESS is administratively structured as a university research center within the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education (CLASSE). The CHESS Director works in partnership with the CLASSE Director.
Cornell University is located in Ithaca, a city of about 30,000 people in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of Central New York. Both Cornell and Ithaca offer a wide range of cultural activities, sporting events, and outdoor activities, with the pleasures of both city and country living close at hand. Ithaca boasts unsurpassed natural beauty in its gorges, state parks, and waterfront.
The Role
The CHESS Director is responsible for managing the administrative infrastructure, the technical and scientific staff, and the research facilities to support and promote the success of the broad range of sponsored research projects at CHESS. The Director leads efforts to secure funding with federal and state agencies and industry partners and works closely with the principal investigators of major CHESS projects to ensure the availability and proper allocation of resources necessary for success. The Director is a senior tenured member of the faculty of Cornell University.
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about science and people and committed to fostering and advocating for environments where both can thrive. Skilled in building relationships, the Director will bring a strong record of research achievement, administrative leadership, multi-partner collaborations, and an interest in scientific and operational innovation. The Director is the principal advocate and ambassador for the evolving CHESS programs, articulating and promoting the scientific vision within the university and at the national and international levels. 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.
Cornell seeks candidates with a PhD or equivalent, who are internationally-respected researchers in X-ray science or related areas. This stature would be reflected by a track record of creative and impactful research, effective leadership of large organizations and initiatives, engagement in education and training, notable awards and service, and sustained extramural funding consistent with a tenured faculty appointment. The candidate will share in Cornell’s commitment toward ambitious, innovative, collaborative and inclusive research and education.
Applications should include a cover letter expressing interest; curriculum vitae with prior positions, research publications, and grant support; a research statement; and a leadership statement. The committee may request additional materials, including references, at a later stage. All materials should be submitted online at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30574. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on November 3, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.
Nominations and inquiries also may be submitted to chessdirsearch@cornell.edu. All inquiries and materials will be held in confidence.
Compensation
This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The expected hiring salary is $250,000-$325,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and attainable faculty rank. Cornell offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including impressive educational benefits. We receive national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being and sustainability.
Pay Range:
Refer to Posting Language
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
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