Deputy for Operations - FIP and ISS Directorates

Brookhaven National Laboratory is undergoing a strategic reorganization of its science directorates to strengthen alignment across complementary scientific capabilities, support delivery of the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), simplify the Laboratory's organizational structure, and position the Laboratory for continued growth and scientific excellence. As part of this transformation, Brookhaven is establishing two new science directorates: Fundamental Interactions and Particles (FIP) and Innovation, Science & Security (ISS). These new organizations bring together complementary programs and expertise to create stronger, more integrated scientific enterprises that will advance the Laboratory's mission while enhancing operational effectiveness.

Brookhaven is recruiting for four Deputy for Operations positions: two for the Innovation, Science & Security (ISS) Directorate and two for the Fundamental Interactions and Particles (FIP) Directorate (one supporting Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) technical programs and the other supporting both the Physics Division and the Technical Division). Candidates may indicate interest in multiple opportunities in their cover letter. Applications must be submitted by September 2, 2026.

About the Role

Reporting to the applicable Division Director and working in close partnership with the Directorate Chief Operating Officer (DCOO), the Deputy for Operations serves as the senior operational leader for the Division. The position is responsible for planning, coordinating, executing, and continuously improving operational programs that enable the Division's scientific, engineering, technical, and research mission. The Deputy for Operations translates Directorate priorities, Laboratory management systems, and institutional requirements into effective Division business processes and operating practices while integrating operations, infrastructure, business management, scientific programs, and Laboratory support functions.

Accountability

• Administratively accountable to the applicable Division Director for day-to-day operational leadership, organizational performance, resource management, and execution of Division priorities.
• Functionally accountable to the Directorate Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) for implementing Directorate operational policies, management systems, operational initiatives, assurance activities, performance reporting, and institutional requirements.

Responsibilities

• Implement Directorate operational policies, governance, standards, and management systems within the Division.
• Develop and maintain Division operating procedures, business processes, and operational practices.
• Lead operational planning across scientific programs, engineering activities, laboratories, facilities, infrastructure, user operations, maintenance, and technical projects, as applicable.
• Provide integrated operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of scientific, technical, and research programs, aligning people, facilities, infrastructure, resources, and business processes to enable effective mission execution.
• Partner with scientific and technical leadership to translate evolving research priorities into operational strategies, capabilities, and resource plans that support both fundamental research and technology development.
• Enable the safe, secure, compliant, and efficient operation of specialized laboratories, research facilities, experimental capabilities, and technology development environments supporting multidisciplinary programs.
• Coordinate operational planning and execution across programs with diverse sponsors, partners, and mission requirements, ensuring appropriate integration of Laboratory systems, institutional resources, and external commitments.
• Strengthen organizational integration and operational effectiveness across multidisciplinary teams by identifying shared capabilities, infrastructure needs, operational risks, and opportunities for collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure operational readiness, reliability, safety, quality, compliance, and mission execution.
• Identify operational risks, implement mitigation strategies, and drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute Division self-assessment activities aligned with the Directorate assurance program.
• Monitor operational performance through metrics, dashboards, and reporting; oversee corrective actions following operational events.
• Lead operational planning for staffing, budgets, infrastructure, facilities, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with ES&H, Facilities & Operations, Human Resources, Finance, Procurement, Information Technology, Quality Management, and other Laboratory support organizations.
• Serve as the principal operational advisor to the Division Director and a key operational partner to the DCOO.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, operational excellence, change leadership, and organizational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Deputy for Operations peers across Brookhaven to ensure integrated execution of Directorate and Laboratory priorities.
• Demonstrate commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.

Division-Specific Responsibilities

Physics & Accelerator Operations

• Coordinate operational priorities across accelerator operations, scientific programs, user schedules, maintenance outages, and facility operations.
• Ensure operational readiness, reliability, and availability of accelerator facilities and supporting infrastructure.
• Partner closely with Physics and Accelerator leadership to optimize execution of scientific programs.

Technical & Engineering Operations

• Coordinate engineering organizations, technical laboratories, fabrication facilities, assembly areas, and engineering support functions.
• Support execution of engineering and technical projects through operational planning, resource coordination, and infrastructure management.
• Ensure operational readiness of technical facilities supporting scientific and engineering programs.

Research, Technology, & Mission Operations

• Provide operational leadership across multidisciplinary scientific research, technology development, and mission-driven programs.
• Partner with scientific and technical leadership to align operational capabilities, infrastructure, and business processes with evolving research priorities.
• Coordinate operational planning across specialized laboratories, research facilities, technology development activities, and institutional support organizations.
• Integrate resources, facilities, and operational services to support diverse research portfolios, external partnerships, and sponsor requirements.
• Strengthen organizational effectiveness by identifying opportunities for shared capabilities, operational integration, and continuous improvement across multidisciplinary programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in STEM, business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in organizations operating under formal conduct of operations (DOE, military, commercial nuclear, or similar).
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, including influencing across reporting relationships.
• Experience leading organizational change and continuous improvement.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a DOE National Laboratory or similarly complex research environment.
• Experience supporting scientific, engineering, technical, or accelerator operations.
• Depending on assignment, experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable:
  • Accelerator operations and scientific user facilities
  • Physics research and experimental programs
  • Engineering organizations and technical laboratories
  • Large-scale scientific construction or research infrastructure projects, including DOE project environments
• Q-level Access Authorization or ability to obtain one.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $184,400 - $306,100 per year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Benefits

Brookhaven National Laboratory offers a comprehensive employee benefits program. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program.