Nuclear Science & Engineering Division Director

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and capable leader to serve as Division Director of the Nuclear Science and Engineering Division at ORNL. Reporting to and working closely with the Associate Lab Director (ALD) of the Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate (FFESD), the Division Director is responsible for advancing ORNL capabilities and interests in supporting the nation’s aspirations for nuclear energy development.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop, and as necessary evolve, NSED strategy for support of advanced nuclear energy demonstration and deployments working closely with the FFESD ALD, peer FFESD division directors, and leaders in other ORNL organizations.
• Serve as primary programmatic interface with appropriate DOE-NE offices, working closely with FFESD ALD, FFESD Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Director, and peer FFESD division directors to ensure consistent, effective communication on key matters.
• Advance the scientific excellence of NSED through scientific productivity, program impact, publications, intellectual property development, and engagement of staff in external organizations.
• Grow capabilities and staff expertise as needed to support the domestic nuclear industry’s aggressive licensing and deployment objectives.
• Review and approve staff proposals to ensure scope-schedule-budget alignment as well as work is consistent with FFESD strategy.
• Oversee effective workforce development program that attracts and retains diverse, high-quality staff.
• Ensure a vibrant, inclusive workplace environment in which all staff can succeed.
• Collaborate with management peers to assist the FFESD ALD in defining and implementing strategic programmatic R&D missions for FFESD and the Laboratory.
• Complete line management responsibilities including supervision of group leaders, budget and business planning, salary planning, staff recruitment and development, employee relations, and performance management.
• Serve as the division work authority, striving to implement a culture within the workplace that is attentive to the identification of hazards and adaptable to providing controls and processes to address the hazards.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications

• An advanced technical degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field of study with 15-20 years of proven experience.
• Evidence of prior successful experience in leading R&D teams.
• Scientific productivity proven through a record of lead-authored publications.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance which requires US citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field of study.
• Management of line organization at the group or division level (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in developing effective teams with significant contributions from individuals/groups outside direct management control.
• Hands-on experience in working in research partnerships, either through research participation or coordination role.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with a broad spectrum of people and issues in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently in conceptualizing, initiating, and evaluating research opportunities.
• Ability to function well in a dynamic and changing research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to constantly evolving needs.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience developing or coordinating DOE-funded research programs and/or similar venture-capital-driven industries.
• Proven track record to establish, nurture, and execute on technical partnerships with external participants.

Special Requirements

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.