Requisition Id 14992
Overview:
The Associate Laboratory Director of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) serves as an executive member of the Laboratory, supporting the Laboratory Director in accomplishing ORNL’s mission of advancing scientific discoveries and their translation into energy and security solutions. ORNL is the largest Office of Science national laboratory in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) system, with over 7000 staff, world-leading user facilities, and an extraordinary breath of expertise across neutron science, computational science, materials science, nuclear energy, isotopes, biological and environmental sciences, national security and energy technologies. Located in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, near the historic town of Oak Ridge and lively city of Knoxville, the laboratory collaborates with industry, academia, and other national laboratories to advance scientific knowledge and develop technologies to address national and global challenges.
NScD serves a pivotal role for the nation through stewarding, advancing and using two Department of Energy (DOE) powerful neutron facilities: the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). These facilities can peer into the heart of matter, enabling discoveries that can transform the energy landscape, advance quantum materials, aid in the response to pandemics, improve human and ecosystem health, and protect our nation. Guided by a three-source strategy across the two facilities and in alignment with a published strategic science plan, the primary responsibility of the Associate Laboratory Director is to propel the missions of DOE-SC, ORNL and NScD through: 1) advancing capabilities to enable world leading experimental studies of the structure and dynamics of materials at the two facilities as part of an international user program; 2) operating the neutron scattering instruments at SNS and HFIR, and safe and reliable operation of accelerator and target systems at SNS and HFIR; 3) serving as spokesperson for the facilities and engaging the national and international neutron community to identify scientific frontiers for neutron science; and 4) executing and/or coordinating with the Neutron Projects Upgrade Office, which oversees the design, construction and/or upgrade activities of neutron facilities, including the Proton Power Upgrade (PPU), Second Target Station (STS) at the SNS, and the HFIR pressure vessel and beryllium reflector replacements. The Associate Laboratory Director manages an annual budget of over $300 Million and 770 NScD staff to address this mission.
The Associate Laboratory Director of NScD also collaborates deeply with other ORNL leaders to advance ORNL’s scientific strategy and to leverage expertise and facilities across ORNL, including the Center for Nanophase Materials Science (CNMS), Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF), and the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
The Associate Laboratory Director for NScD will be responsible for providing scientific leadership and oversight to ensure the impactful, reliable and safe operation of SNS and HFIR user facilities and their worldwide impact through:
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Serving as executive member of the Laboratory Leadership team, sharing responsibility for the simultaneous excellence in science and technology, operational excellence, and community engagement at ORNL.
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Advancing scientific excellence and impact of the facilities, including through: shepherding and implementing the neutron strategic plan; developing mechanisms to enable users to address critical research challenges and realize major scientific breakthroughs; and developing cutting-edge instrumentation and tools to ensure that SNS and HFIR remain responsive to changing scientific needs of the community and maintain competitive positions within the world-wide ecosystem of neutron and light sources.
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Maintaining strong and respectful relationships with major sponsors and partners, the latter including directors of other major DOE facilities.
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Meeting Neutron Facility annual operational commitments.
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Meeting milestones for ongoing projects to develop new instrumentation and upgrade the facilities.
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Driving employee performance management and assessment processes for the entire organization. Perform line management of NScD leadership, including Division Directors and Chief Operating Officer, and coordination with the Neutron Upgrades Project Office.
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Advancing crosscutting ORNL initiatives that combine unique capabilities across Laboratory directorates to accelerate laboratory-wide scientific impact using neutrons. Work with the Leadership Team to identify and implement other Laboratory research priorities, including through strategic use of LDRD (Laboratory-Directed Research and Development).
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Creating and nurturing a positive environment through championing the ORNL values of impact, teamwork, safety, integrity and service. Identifying key organization staffing needs and recruiting and developing scientists to be future leaders and mentors.
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Serving as a primary Directorate contact and spokesperson within ORNL and externally.
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Enhancing postdoctoral, visitor and sabbatical programs and strategic engagement with core universities and enhance partnerships for impact, including with industry.
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Implementing management systems, operations, safety, compliance, and performance assessments across the entire Directorate and steward Directorate facilities, capital, and equipment.
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Reviewing corrective actions that have Laboratory-wide impacts with particular emphasis on those that are documented and managed by tracking systems external to ORNL.
Qualifications Required:
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International recognition and demonstrated accomplishments as a leading PhD scientist and visionary, ideally with a track record of using neutron or light source facilities for scientific discovery.
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At least 5 years of demonstrated executive management experience, including developing and leading large complex and multidisciplinary research organizations, programs and/or user facilities.
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Demonstrated experience of successfully developing, implementing, and executing scientific strategy with engagement from critical stakeholders.
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Experience communicating with key stakeholders, clients, program sponsors, internal staff, and the security/intelligence community.
Preferred Qualifications:
Benefits at ORNL:
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
