The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is seeking a seasoned and visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Center for Used Fuel Research. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of global nuclear waste research and policy through technical, regulatory, and diplomatic engagement. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our REC facility with every other Friday off. The Director will serve as the Center’s top executive, responsible for the strategic direction, international leadership, and operational management of this flagship institution. This position demands exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills—attributes that are considered more critical to success than academic credentials alone. Executive experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments may be considered in lieu of advanced academic degrees. Responsibilities Include: - Lead the Center’s mission to support the safe and scientifically defensible management of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste worldwide. - Serve as the principal representative to DOE, INL, the Center Oversight Council, international partners, and industry stakeholders. - Oversee a diverse executive team and guide the execution of applied research and development (R&D) focused on storage, disposal, transport, and regulatory tools. - Communicate complex technical and policy matters with clarity to regulators, policymakers, and global technical organizations. - Build and sustain partnerships with international waste management authorities (e.g., Posiva Oy, SKB), multinational bodies (e.g., OECD NEA, WNA), and private sector collaborators. - Ensure Center activities comply with DOE Orders, NRC regulations, FAR/DEAR, and applicable international legal agreements. - Cultivate an organizational culture of excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement. - Coordinate future applied R&D activities directly with DOE leadership and leaders from industry, national laboratories, and universities. - Be the spokesperson addressing the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle to help to better position the nuclear industry for success.
