Physics Division Director

Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Physics Division, part of the Fundamental Interactions and Particles (FIP) Directorate, leads scientific research for the DOE Office of High Energy and Nuclear Physics (HENP). The Division designs, constructs, and operates HENP experiments to advance understanding of fundamental physics. Key responsibilities include completing the RHIC science mission, analyzing decades of RHIC data, and leading the design and construction of the ePIC detector for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). The Division also hosts the ePIC collaboration and the EIC detector subproject, collaborating closely with other FIP organizations and Laboratory teams to ensure the success of the EIC, BNL’s highest-priority program.

In high energy physics, the Division hosts U.S. ATLAS, leads the U.S. ATLAS Operations Program and HL-LHC Upgrade Project, and has major responsibilities for the ATLAS experiment. It also hosts U.S. Belle II and plays critical roles in neutrino programs at Fermilab, including DUNE and SBN, as well as astrophysics and cosmology efforts like the Rubin Observatory and LuSEE-Night. The Division is actively involved in future high energy physics projects, including a Higgs factory and the second phase of DUNE. Complementing these efforts, world-leading theory groups in high energy and nuclear physics guide data interpretation, while the Division’s detector technology and software expertise support all programs.

About the role

The Physics Division Director serves as a key member of the Fundamental Interactions and Particles (FIP) Directorate leadership team, leading over 200 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff with an annual budget exceeding $100 million. The Director reports to the Associate Laboratory Director for FIP and collaborates with EIC Project leadership, Laboratory management, user communities, and funding agencies to deliver the DOE Office of High Energy and Nuclear Physics mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific, technical, operational, and strategic leadership for the Division, aligning with Laboratory and FIP Directorate objectives.
• Establish and monitor organizational priorities, performance expectations, governance processes, and management systems to enable safe and effective execution of Division responsibilities.
• Develop, communicate, and implement a long-term strategic vision for the Division to advance scientific and operational excellence.
• Develop, manage, forecast, and execute annual operating and project budgets exceeding $100 million.
• Ensure effective collaboration with the EIC Project leadership, other FIP divisions, and Laboratory organizations to deliver Division scope and commitments.
• Represent the Division and Laboratory in interactions with DOE officials, advisory committees, user communities, collaborating institutions, and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a member of the FIP Directorate leadership team, contributing to resource allocation, organizational initiatives, and long-term planning.
• Maintain and develop a strong scientific and technical workforce, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in nuclear or particle physics, or a closely related scientific or technical discipline.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience in nuclear or particle physics research and operations, including at least eight (8) years of leadership and supervisory experience within a DOE laboratory or equivalent research organization.
• Demonstrated success leading and managing large, mission-driven scientific research and operations organizations, including strategic planning, workforce management, fiscal oversight, and performance.
• Ability to engage effectively with senior Laboratory leadership, DOE sponsors, advisory committees, partner institutions, and external stakeholders.
• Internationally recognized accomplishments in nuclear or particle physics research and experience managing complex large-scale scientific initiatives.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific and organizational issues to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, ethical conduct, and personal accountability for operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science programs, policies, and the mission, operations, and management of National Laboratories and large user facilities.
• Experience supporting large scientific collaborations and user communities.

This is an on-site position in Upton, NY. Domestic and international travel may be required. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential and comply with REAL-ID requirements for federal site access.