Director of the Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA)

About the Role

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for the position of Director of the Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA), a multi-partner Department of Energy-Basic Energy Sciences (DOE-BES) energy innovation hub. ESRA is a $12.5M/year R&D center focused on fundamental and use-inspired research to invent next-generation battery materials and chemistries. By laying the scientific groundwork for breakthrough energy storage technologies, ESRA is forging a path toward safe batteries with decadal lifespans made from inexpensive, abundant materials, enabling applications such as long-duration storage. ESRA is a leader in leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous labs to accelerate the pace of research. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for ESRA’s diverse research portfolio, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and grow the center’s scientific impact. This role includes developing and executing a compelling research vision aligned with Argonne’s mission and DOE priorities, strengthening external partnerships, and ensuring excellence in safety, organizational performance, and alignment with Argonne’s Core Values. The ESRA Director will report to the Division Director of the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division and will work within a matrixed organizational structure, co-reporting into the office of the Lab Director.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to define and advance ESRA’s scientific strategy and research priorities in energy storage, electrochemistry, and related fields.
• Lead the development of ambitious, cohesive research agendas that leverage ESRA’s strengths and Argonne’s national user facilities to address pressing challenges in energy storage materials and technologies.
• Champion interdisciplinary research and partnerships across Argonne, academia, industry, government agencies, and international collaborators to enhance scientific impact and accelerate technology deployment.
• Manage ESRA operations, including research execution, staffing and talent development, financial planning, resource allocation,