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 National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.
The Chief Science and Technology Office within NSD plays a pivotal role in identifying relevant and compelling national security science and technology challenges, as well as developing a cohesive directorate strategy to establish and differentiate PNNL's science and technology capabilities and leadership. The Office leads collective efforts to maintain a timely, compelling, and actionable strategy that elevates leadership through mission impact. It ensures that NSD supports and aligns with Laboratory strategy while facilitating effective communication of that strategy both within and outside of the Laboratory. Additionally, the Chief Science and Technology Office oversees efforts to maintain a robust pipeline of internal investments and proposals, fostering world-class capabilities and supporting strategic objectives.
ResponsibilitiesThe Chief Science and Technology Office is responsible for formulating strategy and managing internal R&D investments for NSD. These activities are led by the Chief Science and Technology Officer (CSTO), with the active support of a full-time Strategy Execution Officer (XO). The XO is tasked with implementing the strategic elements developed by the CSTO and the NSD Leadership Team and reports directly to the CSTO.
In partnership with the CSTO, the XO efficiently implements elements of NSD’s S&T strategic planning process and oversees the execution of internal strategic investments. The CSTO represents NSD’s strategy to the Directorate and Laboratory Leadership Teams, the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program, and advisory committees featuring national luminaries. Feedback from these engagements informs the development of NSD’s long-term S&T strategy and supports the effective execution of NSD’s strategic plan.
Responsibilities:
- Develop a Strategic Execution Plan to accompany and enable the successful execution of NSD’s S&T strategy and successfully complete all associated annual milestones.
- Partner with the CSTO and the Directorate Leadership Team to refine Directorate S&T strategy, supporting alignment with Laboratory-level strategy, Directorate business development and capability development strategies, and associated plans.
- Support the Directorate Leadership Team in planning and stewarding internal investments, including outlining Research Organization Overhead (ROO), Program Development and Management (PDM), and LDRD funding requests, to meet the Directorate’s strategic goals, evolve our strategy, and enhance the national-level impact of our science and technology capabilities.
- Manage the NSD internal investment portfolio, which includes LDRD, PDM, and ROO allocations, interface with the PNNL LDRD Program, execute the NSD LDRD Mission Seed calls for proposals and NSD’s TARDIS investments, and steward the accompanying projects, managing associated budgets and coordinating proposal and project reviews.
- Conduct robust, inspirational engagement with staff interested in furthering NSD’s strategy to elicit new ideas, encourage ideation of new concepts, reinforce directorate thought leadership, and bolster staff struggling with the expected but often unforeseen outcomes of forward-leaning research and development.
- Support the CSTO with interaction with the Directorate Advisory Committee and preparation for periodic strategic retreats.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Knowledge of the federal sponsor landscape, particularly within the Department of Energy, and how sponsor interests intersect NSD capabilities.
- Knowledge of DOE Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) and the Strategic Intelligence Partnership Program (SIPP) mechanism that facilitates the DOE Labs working directly with Federal partners via DOE.
- Demonstrated success as a strategic thought leader in national security grand challenges.
- Demonstrated success attracting funding for research programs involving multiple principal investigators.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively, especially with senior leaders both internal and external to PNNL.
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams for strategic goals.
- Ability to develop and lead groundbreaking scientific research.
- Ability to build strong relationships with decision-makers and senior leaders in the Federal Government.
- Ability to develop teams with appropriate backgrounds working on focused problems.
- Ability to formulate and execute strategy supported by internal investments.
- Ability to lead working groups and collaborate with other national laboratories.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 8 years of experience -OR-
- MS/MA or higher and 6 years of experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in science or engineering and 10+ years of relevant experience.
- Experience in line or programmatic leadership.
- Program management experience with large, multidisciplinary R&D portfolios.
- Experience executing strategy supported by internal investments
- Experience within the federal sponsor landscape, particularly within the Department of Energy, and how sponsor interests intersect NSD capabilities.
- Experience managing full project scope from formulation stages (proposals, planning, estimating, and scheduling), through project control and performance measurement, to project delivery and closeout.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.
Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
- Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.
Testing Designated PositionThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
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 $148,600.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $211,600.00/Yr.