Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division Director

About the role

The Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for the position of Director for the Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Division. The CSE Division drives breakthrough scientific discovery and innovation in chemical sciences and engineering to address major societal challenges in energy, materials, and national security.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to define and advance the division’s scientific strategy and research priorities, including fundamental chemical physics, gas phase dynamics, energy storage and conversion, separations science, heavy elements chemistry, ultrafast chemistry, catalysis, interfacial sciences, computational and data-enabled discovery, and translational chemical engineering.
• Leverage CSE’s strengths and Argonne’s national user facilities to address pressing challenges in energy, chemical transformations, and critical materials.
• Foster interdisciplinary research and partnerships across Argonne, academia, industry, and government agencies to enhance impact and accelerate deployment of new technologies.
• Manage division operations, including research execution, staffing and talent development, financial planning, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and safety that enables scientists and staff to thrive.
• Serve as a principal advocate and spokesperson for the division’s science to DOE sponsors, funding agencies, stakeholders, and the broader scientific community.
• Serve as laboratory point of contact for DOE, Basic Energy Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division.
• Acquire and maintain relationships with multiple funding sources including the DOE Office of Critical Materials and Energy Innovation (CMEI) and Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and Laboratory policies and maintain high standards of scientific integrity, environmental, safety, and security practices.

  Requirements

  • Basic Qualifications:
    • Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering field supplemented by no less than fifteen years of experience including relevant, demonstrated accomplishments in scientific leadership.
    • Demonstrated success in setting scientific direction, building and sustaining high-performing teams, and fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative research programs.
    • Clear record of research accomplishments and ability to secure competitive external funding.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience interacting with senior leadership, government sponsors, and scientific peers.
  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • Experience in a leadership role within a national laboratory, research institute, or academic setting.
    • Established relationships with DOE Science programs and knowledge of federal research priorities in energy, chemical sciences, and related fields.
    • Track record of driving large-scale research initiatives, partnerships, and impact-oriented scientific agendas.
    • Commitment to mentoring scientists and promoting an impactful and collaborative research environment.

  Position Details

  The expected hiring range for this position is $253,997.00 - $396,235.71. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

  As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.