Atmospheric and Earth Sciences Division Director

Overview

At 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, Integrated Discovery 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 Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) leads fundamental research across biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, materials science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, mathematics, autonomy, and DOE national user facilities. Our vision is to accelerate scientific discovery by observing, understanding, simulating, predicting, and controlling dynamic biotic‑abiotic processes and interactions within complex biological, chemical, material, and Earth systems. We intentionally connect disciplines to advance fundamental discovery science, develop transformative scientific capabilities, and address the nation's most important challenges in energy, environmental resilience, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health, and national security.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Scientific Leadership – Set and execute a mission‑aligned strategy advancing PNNL’s atmospheric, Earth systems, and environmental microbiome sciences. Define a clear division vision, goals, priorities, and performance expectations aligned with directorate and Laboratory strategies. Integrate atmospheric and Earth sciences with domain sciences across BER, BES, ASCR, and other sponsor portfolios synergistically. Represent division capabilities nationally and internationally; elevate PNNL’s reputation in atmospheric and aerosol‑cloud microphysics, subsurface hydrobiogeochemistry, coastal and watershed systems, ecosystem and coupled terrestrial‑atmospheric processes, environmental microbiomes, ModEx‑driven field‑based research, and autonomous field‑based observational capabilities. Champion Laboratory‑level capability investments and ensure impactful scientific outcomes (publications, software, data products, awards, partnerships).
• BER Sector Leadership – Lead a unified BER strategy across IDSD and PNNL, including sponsor engagement, program development, proposal strategy, and long‑term capability planning that aligns with IDSD S&T strategic directions and advances. Build strong relationships with BER leadership and research communities across DOE, labs, academia, and federal agencies. Align PNNL capabilities with BER priorities in water for energy, biotechnology, dynamic interconnected biology‑Earth‑energy systems, and autonomous scientific discovery. Coordinate cross‑directorate proposals and programs linking atmospheric, Earth systems, and environmental biology with computing, physical, materials, human health, multi‑scale/sector modeling, and energy sciences.
• Capability Stewardship – Plan and steward workforce, equipment, and strategic investments. Allocate resources to meet strategic priorities and sponsor commitments. Ensure capabilities are effectively deployed for projects, proposals, and emerging mission opportunities.
• People & Culture – Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, high‑performing workforce. Strengthen expertise in emerging areas (AI for science, autonomous field‑based discovery science, coupled biology‑Earth‑energy systems, connected subsurface‑terrestrial/coastal/watershed‑atmospheric interfaces, advanced cloud microphysics). Develop technical leaders and future division leadership. Set expectations for hiring, development, assessment, promotion, and accountability. Maintain an inclusive, safe, collaborative environment rooted in research integrity and technical excellence.
• Operations & Risk Management – Drive operational excellence