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 anEnvironmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is recruiting for a Director to lead the Earth Systems Science Division (ESSD) within the Energy and Environment Directorate (EED). Annually, ESSD conducts about $115 million of R&D for the Department of Energy’s applied energy offices and other government agencies. The ESSD is an organization of about 400 staff members based primarily at PNNL’s Richland, Washington campus where this position will be located. The staff is organized into five capability‐based groups, each under the leadership of a group leader who reports to the Division Director. These groups include Applied Decision Systems & Analytics, Earth Systems Predictability & Resiliency, Operational Systems Engineering, Risk & Environmental Assessment, and Subsurface Science.
ESSD provides leadership and solutions that advance earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. Division research often addresses the complex relationship of the natural environment with energy systems. Specific areas of work include:
- Earth-energy resilience: Resilience to extreme events, long-term energy system planning, earth-energy science
- Energy monitoring and technology: Sensor and algorithm development, ecological interactions and impacts, engineering and operational performance
- Subsurface science: Subsurface utilization for energy (geothermal, critical minerals), subsurface remediation, subsurface security applications
- Environmental assessment: Environmental and nuclear risk, federal permitting
- Decision science: Risk analysis, decision analytics, decision systems
Division scientists and engineers conduct applied research at the bench, pilot, and field scale, integrating test results with advanced modeling and simulation to provide the technical underpinnings, scientific approaches, and technological advancements to support breakthrough solutions, improve system knowledge, and champion new regulatory protocols that are protective of human health and the environment.
Work is conducted in a wide variety of radiochemistry and biology laboratories, aquatic research laboratories, bioacoustics & flow laboratories, and geophysics/geomechanics laboratories. Field research occurs at the nearby Hanford Site, and at locations around the northwest and the globe. The ESSD Division Director develops and implements strategy to steward and expand existing capabilities in the division, and to grow new capabilities. They engage with key internal and external sponsors and stakeholders to build impactful research partnerships and to support Sector Managers in growing the business portfolio.
This position reports to the Energy and Environment Directorate (EED) Associate Laboratory Director. The Division Director for Earth Systems Science is responsible for leading, developing, and maintaining institutional capabilities (including staff, facilities, and equipment) in alignment with directorate and lab‐wide priorities, and with the goal to meet current and future DOE and other sponsor mission needs. Specific responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and execution of the Earth Systems Science Division (ESSD) strategy in partnership with the EED leadership team and other PNNL stakeholders.
- Developing world‐class research capabilities (people, equipment and facilities) that are externally recognized for scientific and engineering excellence, and that support the DOE mission and deliver national impact.
- Modeling, creating and reinforcing a culture of research excellence that includes safety, security, and operational discipline.
- Stewarding and communicating ESSD’s accomplishments with internal and external stakeholders to advance the Lab’s and DOE’s reputation.
- Implementing best practices to recruit, develop, assess performance, and retain talented subject matter experts to support current and future mission needs.
- Ensuring robust succession planning for key technical capabilities needed for current and future business growth.
- Managing budgets and assets to ensure facilities, equipment, and operating procedures are adequate and deliver on mission priorities.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 15 years of relevant technical experience -OR-
- MS/MA or higher and 13 years of relevant technical experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Record of progressively increasing strategic leadership and line management experience.
Familiarity with research and development in the technical areas represented by the Division.
Demonstrated experience in safe and healthy operations.
Strong, proven management skills in collaboration, interpersonal communications, problem solving, and human relations skills.
Willingness to move to the Tri-Cities, WA, area.
- Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering discipline, with 15+ years of progressively responsible technical leadership, program leadership, and line management experience.
- Record of R&D accomplishment in at least one of the areas of technical capability managed by the Division.
Well‐developed strategic planning, organizational and capability development, and business development skills, with a demonstrated record of regularly meeting financial and operational expectations.
Knowledge and experience working with relevant DOE and other ESSD mission sponsors.
Record of success working with and collaborating with U.S. industry and universities.
Demonstrated experience effectively communicating to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable
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 $211,600.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $338,600.00/Yr.
