OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.
The Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data Division (ACMDD) focuses on basic and applied computing research encompassing artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, computing technologies, and data and computational engineering. Our scientists and engineers apply end-to-end co-design principles to advance future energy-efficient computing systems and design the next generation of algorithms to analyze, model, understand, and control the behavior of complex systems in science, energy, and national security.
ResponsibilitiesThe Advanced Computing, Mathematics & Data (ACMD) Division is seeking a Group Leader for the Future Computing Technologies (FCT) Group. An interdisciplinary research organization of roughly 40 scientists, engineers, and postdoctoral researchers. The FCT Group develops and evaluates emerging computing technologies across the hardware–software boundary, with core strengths in electronic design automation (EDA), novel computing architectures, hardware–software co-design, high-performance workflow optimization, and a growing focus on quantum computing architectures and quantum algorithms.
The group advances scientific computing through in-house design automation and synthesis tools, architecture exploration, co-design methodologies, compiler and system software development, programming models and libraries for heterogeneous systems, and performance engineering of complex scientific workflows. FCT researchers collaborate extensively with domain scientists to eliminate computational bottlenecks and enable new scientific capabilities. These efforts position the group to shape next-generation data science, artificial intelligence, and scientific computing capabilities at PNNL and across the broader research community. The FCT Group has developed tools that will enable a seamless computing ecosystem for agile and rapid scientific discovery. The group’s expertise lays a strong foundation for shaping the next generation of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and scientific computing capabilities at PNNL and beyond.
This position blends significant scientific leadership with direct management responsibility. Approximately 45% of your effort will focus on setting strategic direction for the group, ensuring strong operational performance, and fostering a collaborative environment that supports high-quality research, mentoring, and staff development. You will work closely with Lab and Division leadership to define research priorities in advanced architectures, design automation, hardware–software co-design, workflow optimization, and quantum computing. Effective management of budgets, staffing, and group operations will be essential to maintaining a productive and influential organization.
The remaining 55% of your time will be dedicated to advancing your own research program. You will contribute to and lead peer-reviewed research in areas central to the group’s mission, including EDA, emerging architectures, co-design approaches, performance optimization, and quantum computing topics. Rapidly establishing yourself as an independent Principal Investigator through competitive proposals and cross-organizational collaborations will be critical to sustaining and expanding the group’s research portfolio. You will collaborate broadly across ACMD, the Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, and other PNNL research organizations. You will work with Lab leadership to set the agenda for computer science research, as well as provide excellent management of a productive and influential organization and elevate the impact of the group.
Ensuring ongoing research programs in the group are productive and impactful is crucial. Maintaining effective operations including the management of overhead budgets to achieve operational targets is a key part of the role. We value mentoring and staff development. The ideal candidate will embrace facilitating proposal writing and identifying research opportunities for staff.
In the management portion of the role, you will guide the long-term direction of the FCT Group and contribute to the evolution of computer science research at PNNL. This includes working with senior leadership to identify and refine research priorities in advanced computing technologies, ensuring the group meets budgetary and operational goals, and cultivating a high-performing research culture. You will mentor staff, support proposal development, and identify new research opportunities that align with both individual strengths and institutional needs. Representing the group within the laboratory and in external engagements is an important component of strengthening collaborations and increasing the group’s visibility.
Your scientific responsibilities involve leading research efforts that drive innovation in advanced computing. This includes the conception, planning, and execution of R&D in architecture design, hardware–software co-design, design automation tools, system software, workflow performance engineering, and quantum computing approaches. Securing competitive funding, building interdisciplinary partnerships, and delivering impactful results are central to the role. Your scientific contributions should demonstrate both depth and forward-looking vision, influencing broader research directions while reinforcing the group’s long-term success.
Additional expectations and responsibilities include:
- Demonstrated national recognition as an expert in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
- A record of developing new approaches and advancing state-of-the-art concepts in computing.
- Proven leadership in defining scientific and technical objectives with influence across programs.
- Successful capture, planning, and execution of complex interdisciplinary projects spanning organizational boundaries.
- Ability to secure and sustain funding that supports staff, project teams, and long-term research directions.
- Consistent modeling of high standards for quality, safety, and security.
- Meaningful contributions to operational improvement at the group, division, directorate, or laboratory level.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- PhD with 5+ year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field
- Strong publication record in advanced architectures, design automation, co-design, HPC, quantum computing, AI, microelectronics, or other related area
- Demonstrated success securing competitive research funding (DOE, DoD, NSF, or industry)
- Experience leading large, interdisciplinary R&D efforts and managing multi-million-dollar portfolios
- Proven ability to mentor and develop staff, including supporting early-career researchers toward PI roles
- Experience building external partnerships with federal agencies, industry, or academic collaborators
- Record of delivering impactful research tools, prototypes, or software systems in scientific or high-performance computing
- Professional visibility through conference leadership, invited talks, or contributions to national research initiatives
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.
Additional Information“Referral Eligible”
Testing Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $188,400.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $318,000.00/Yr.
