Distinguished R&D Staff
About the role
We invite applications for Distinguished R&D Staff positions within the Geospatial Science and Engineering Division. ORNL is the nation’s geospatial research laboratory. Our scientists and engineers are breaking new ground in geospatial science and technologies, advancing state of the art and scaling science for global impact.
Overview
The Geospatial Science and Engineering Division is part of the National Security Sciences Directorate, where we translate and apply the latest advancements in ORNL and U.S. scientific leadership to support the nation’s national and energy security needs. Distinguished R&D Staff are nationally and internationally known science leaders who bring multiple decades of research program experience and a strong vision for how their contributions will enable ORNL to drive and support the next decade of science innovations.
Science Strategy
Develop and execute science strategies for division, directorate, and laboratory priorities, working across organizations to integrate and represent capabilities and expertise that differentiate ORNL.
Research Leadership
Maintain visible thought leadership and national/international recognition within your community by developing and leading R&D programs at the lab, delivering science artifacts (data, code, systems, publications), and representing the lab through presentations at community forums and professional society meetings.
Sponsor Engagement & Proposal Development
Work with sponsors to define and understand strategic technical or mission capability gaps, and develop proposals to address these gaps. Continually engage with ORNL’s core sponsors and cultivate new sponsors by identifying dual-use or translational science opportunities based on existing capabilities.
Program Management
Ensure successful execution of ORNL programs through technical and programmatic leadership and oversight. Maintain strong multidisciplinary teams through clear goals and objectives, and maintain strong sponsor relationships through consistent, on-time, and on-budget capability deliveries.
Mentoring
Continuously develop talent to grow world-class, internationally recognized scientists and engineers within the lab. All team members deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Basic Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Computer Science, Data Science, Geospatial Science, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum 12 years of experience with a doctoral degree, or 16 years of experience with a master’s degree.
- Proven track record of leadership, including building and managing multidisciplinary teams, developing strategy, hiring, mentoring, and managing scientists, engineers, and technologists.
- Demonstrated technical expertise across relevant disciplines, evidenced through peer-reviewed publications, secured program funding, and/or substantial experience leading technical research, engineering, or product teams to deliver industry solutions.
- Experience engaging with federal sponsors or large external stakeholders, successfully managing programs, and interfacing at senior levels.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working for or with Department of War or Intelligence Community agencies.
- Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous or evolving environments, independently clarifying objectives, identifying priorities, and driving work forward without requiring fully defined requirements or step-by-step guidance.
- Comfort working across the full spectrum of day-to-day responsibilities, from shaping strategy and defining direction to making hands-on technical contributions and addressing operational details needed to move work forward.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate vision and technical concepts to senior leadership, sponsors, and non-technical stakeholders.
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and 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 changing needs.
About ORNL
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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.