R&D Section Head-Theory & Computation Section

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Requisition Id 14161 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking an R&D Section Head for the Theory and Computation Section (TACS) in the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). CNMS is a US Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility with a robust internal science program focused on the strategic areas of polymer synthesis, quantum materials, multiscale dynamics, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML). 

The CNMS Theory and Computation Section (TACS) uses advanced computational capabilities and develops predictive models/simulations to further our understanding of the physical, structural, and chemical nature of nanomaterials and reactions, and integrates AI/ML methods into experimental and digital twin platforms to enhance data analytics, efficiency, and the drive toward autonomous experiments. The TACS Section Head will provide R&D leadership for two thematically aligned R&D groups:
 

  1. Nanomaterials Theory Institute — Advances capabilities for theory and high-performance simulation to enable fundamental understanding of physical and chemical properties of nanoscale materials and soft matter.
  2. Data NanoAnalytics — Develops and Integrates edge computing and AI/ML methods into instrumentation, data workflows and materials synthesis platforms to accelerate the pace of discovery. 

The TACS Section Head is an essential member of the CNMS Leadership Team and works closely with the CNMS Division Director and the TACS Group Leaders to establish and implement the science and technology directions for the section; supports the Group Leaders to ensure their success and the success of the R&D groups as world-recognized leaders in their fields; ensures that staff members understand business opportunities; identifies links to current and future funding opportunities and R&D programs; develops and implements consistent processes for the peer-review of proposals consistent with ORNL standards; models proper Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality practices; and ensures an inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Work closely with the CNMS Division Director and Group Leaders within the section to develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading science and technology directions for the section.
  • Support the CNMS Division Director in division operations and represent CNMS Director when the Director is not available.
  • Serve as direct supervisor for section Group Leaders.
  • Actively contribute to shaping the division’s, directorate’s, and laboratory’s strategic vision, research plans, and investments.
  • Build strong teams by collaborating across ORNL and securing external expertise when needed. Leverage ORNL facilities and resources when developing new projects.
  • Work with the TACS Group Leaders and CNMS Division Director to assess and calibrate individual staff performance across the section.  Evaluate progress regularly, providing feedback and addressing performance issues in a timely manner.
  • Ensure groups are recruiting and hiring from a diverse pool of top candidates who are committed to world-class research and aspire to be the best in their field.  Approve job offers.
  • Drive staff promotions and development.
  • Address in a timely manner all concerns expressed by staff and any disciplinary actions.
  • Lead by example, using the principles in ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research and in dealing with others.
  • Employ best practices, such as holding regular meetings, being visible in the workplace, monitoring budgets, acknowledging sponsors, and adhering to ORNL business systems requirements regarding staff requests for foreign travel and submission of quality proposals.
  • Coach and mentor staff regarding Battelle’s “Safe Conduct of Research” principles and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Exemplify a commitment to ORNL by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.
  • Connect staff to your network.  Assist Group Leaders (and R&D staff when appropriate) in setting long-term career goals.  Identify additional mentors as appropriate and engage senior staff to act in this capacity.   
  • Be open and transparent in communicating information to your groups and communicate staff achievements and changes to stakeholders in a timely manner.
  • Work with Group Leaders to ensure staff are participating actively in professional service (engagement in scientific societies, workshop and conference organization, peer review, advisory board membership, etc.).
  • Advocate for and support internal and external recognition of staff achievements.  Ensure the Section’s external professional presence is strong.
  • Communicate funding/proposal opportunities to staff and support proposal development as appropriate (mentoring, proposal reviews, budget preparation, etc.).
  • Ensure that staff manage their research projects effectively to deliver results on scope, schedule, and budget while meeting scientific, technical, and business expectations. 
  • Effectively communicate the importance of protecting proprietary or sensitive information and complying with ORNL cybersecurity policies and guidelines.
  • Recognize and support the contributions and responsibilities of Group Leaders and Laboratory Space Managers to lab safety.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Requires a Ph.D. with a minimum of 12-years of relevant experience, including 4 years in leadership.
  • Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A demonstrated track record of research excellence in materials science, energy storage, chemistry, catalysis research, or strongly similar areas.
  • Experience in leading teams of cross-disciplinary researchers to produce important discoveries beyond the reach of individual investigators.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit five letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruit@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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