The National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader with strong vision, and a proven commitment to operational excellence to serve as Deputy for Operations. Reporting directly to the NSLS-II Director, this executive-level role is a key member of the NSLS-II leadership team, responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant functioning of the operational programs that support world-class scientific research.
The Deputy will oversee and coordinate a broad range of activities across the facility, including operational planning, space and infrastructure management, budget oversight, policy development, and institutional compliance. The role requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including BNL’s Mission Support Organizations (HR, ESHQ, Budget Office), the User Office, Project Office, and Environment, Safety, and Health (ESH) functions. The Deputy will exercise senior-level decision-making across a wide range of operations initiatives, programs, and issues. The successful candidate must maintain a strong, visible commitment to enabling NSLS-II’s mission “To develop and operate a premier user facility that safely and efficiently enables high-impact and cutting-edge science and technology across multiple disciplines for the benefit of society.”
In this role, you will support the NSLS-II Director in achieving both strategic and tactical objectives. You will participate in Lab-wide committees, such as the BNL Operations Council, and serve as the point of coordination between NSLS-II and other BNL organizations. You will also have the authority to approve operational procedures, oversee assigned budgets, and manage non-programmatic space allocation. Balancing mission performance against operational risk will be central to your success in this role. Balancing mission performance against operational risk will be central to your success in this role.
Your leadership will directly impact the success of major scientific programs, the work of approximately 400 NSLS-II staff, and the experience of thousands of users each year. The ideal candidate will have experience navigating DOE operations (preferably within the Battelle lab system). The successful candidate will be instrumental in sustaining and strengthening the operational foundation of NSLS-II, while fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. You may also be asked to lead special projects at the request of the NSLS-II Director, the ALD for Energy and Photon Sciences, or other senior Laboratory leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate NSLS-II operational activities, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, mission priorities, and the highest standards of ES&H and research security.
Collaborate with the NSLS-II leadership team, providing strategic and tactical input on resource planning and execution.
Represent NSLS-II on Lab-wide committees, including the BNL Operations Council and institutional working groups.
Oversee non-programmatic space planning and allocation across the NSLS-II complex.
Oversee and support the preparation for major reviews and assessments, such as DOE quadrennial t reviews.
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with DOE orders, OSHA regulations, and BNL policies; maintain readiness for emergency response.
Coordinate with Mission Support Organizations on cybersecurity, research integrity, and physical site security matters
Manage operational programs, including Space Administration.
Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks impacting research efficiency.
Lead initiatives to improve workplace culture, internal communication, and cross-organizational collaboration.
Perform special projects as requested by senior leadership.
Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in STEM, business, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience.
At least 6 years of demonstrated experience leading operational programs in a scientific, DOE, or national laboratory environment, with a proven record of achieving measurable results.
Strong organizational, planning, and day-to-day management skills for complex operations.
Proven ability to handle operational challenges effectively, prioritize under pressure, and deliver timely, compliant outcomes.
A collaborative and solution-oriented leadership style that fosters trust and cooperation across diverse teams.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience contributing to strategic and tactical planning in an institutional or scientific setting.
Desired Experience
Master’s degree in a STEM, business, or a relevant field.
At least 5 years working in a DOE facility.
Experience in an Operations role.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level Access Authorization
Familiarity with accelerator or beamline operations and their support requirements.
Experience managing compliance, safety, and operational procedures in a large-scale research environment.
Understanding of scientific user facility workflows, researcher needs, and experiment logistics.
