Division Director, Safeguards and Security Technology Division (SSTD)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) is seeking a Division Director for the Safeguards and Security Technology Division (SSTD). This role reports to the NSSD Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) and leads the Division’s science and technology capabilities, ensuring excellence in current mission execution while establishing and implementing a strategic vision for increased national security impact.

About the role

SSTD is comprised of multidisciplinary scientists, engineers, and mission-focused professionals who advance the scientific and technical foundations of nuclear safeguards and security. The Division develops innovative technologies and operational solutions that enable U.S. government agencies to strengthen the security and safeguards of nuclear and radiological materials in the U.S. and globally. SSTD also develops and applies advanced software and digital capabilities to support nonproliferation and nuclear security missions, including information management systems, data collection and analysis platforms, nuclear material tracking systems, and modeling and simulation tools that inform operational decision-making and policy.

The Division collaborates extensively across ORNL and the broader DOE complex to advance technologies and approaches supporting nuclear safeguards, security, treaty verification spanning the nuclear fuel cycle, and radiological operations. SSTD maintains internationally recognized expertise in safeguards and security technologies, implementation methodologies, and integrated safeguards concepts applicable across the full spectrum of nuclear fuel cycle activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership that focuses and integrates Division capabilities toward world-class S&T goals consistent with the programmatic missions of NSSD and the Laboratory
• Collaborate with management peers to assist the ALD in defining and implementing strategic programmatic R&D missions for NSSD and the Laboratory
• Represent ORNL before advisory committees
• Emphasize the scientific productivity, impact, and reputation of SSTD and engagement of staff in professional organizations
• Ensure the Division executes projects and delivers outcomes consistent with commitments on budget and schedule
• Execute line management responsibilities including supervision of Division leadership, budget and business planning, salary planning, staff recruitment and development, employee relations, and performance management
• Build Division capabilities by attracting a quality, diverse pool of top candidates, and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field
• Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated
• Serve as the Division work authority, striving to implement a culture within the workplace that is attentive to the identification of hazards and responsive to providing controls and processes to address the hazards

Requirements

• Ph.D. in engineering, the physical sciences, or related technical fields
• At least 12 years of experience focused on nuclear nonproliferation within an R&D environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong leadership and business management skills with a proven track record of communication through technical publications, development and execution of an R&D vision and strategy

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that can interact effectively with a broad spectrum of people and issues in a fast-paced environment that spans R&D
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Focused delivery on the operational missions of nonproliferation sponsors

Special Requirements

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position, requiring passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. Due to the SCI clearance, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

• 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
• Employee Discounts
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities
• Flexible work hours

ORNL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory with an 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals values diverse perspectives and backgrounds, supporting our mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges.