Oak Ridge National Laboratory · 2 days ago
Section Head, Fusion Nuclear Science, Technology & Engineering
Oak Ridge, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
12+ years expOak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Section Head for the Fusion Energy Division. The role involves providing leadership in research and development for fusion subsystems, establishing technical foundations, and ensuring the success of R&D groups in a collaborative environment.
Advanced MaterialsClean EnergyEnergyEnergy ManagementManufacturingNuclearRenewable Energy
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Provide Research and Development (R&D) leadership to a thematic area of science and technology that integrates several thematically aligned R&D groups consistent with ORNL’s aspiration to be the world’s premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture
Work closely with the Division Director and Group Leaders within the section to develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading science and technology directions for the section. Demonstrate cross-functional team leadership
Support Division Director in the operations of the division and represent Director when Director is not available
Work with section Group Leaders to establish, communicate, and measure critical metrics for success and impact. Benchmark against the best in the world
Actively contribute to shaping the division’s, directorate’s, and laboratory’s research plans and investments
Build strong teams by collaborating across ORNL and securing external expertise when needed. Leverage ORNL facilities and resources when developing new projects
Work with the Group Leaders and the Division Director to assess and calibrate individual staff performance across the section. Evaluate progress regularly, providing feedback and addressing performance issues in a timely manner
Develop and implement Succession Planning with input from Group Leaders for all critical positions in the section to ensure future success
Ensure groups are recruiting and hiring from a diverse pool of top candidates who are committed to world-class research and aspire to be the best in their field. Approve job offers
Drive staff promotions and development
Address in a timely manner all concerns expressed by staff and any disciplinary actions
Lead by example, using the principles in ORNL’s 'Research Code of Conduct' as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research and in dealing with others
Work with Group Leaders to ensure that publications and presentations of section staff are reviewed and meet the quality standards of ORNL
Employ best practices, such as holding regular meetings, being visible in the workplace, monitoring budgets, acknowledging sponsors, and adhering to ORNL business systems requirements regarding staff requests for foreign travel and submission of quality proposals
Coach and mentor staff regarding Battelle’s 'Safe Conduct of Research' principles and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures
Exemplify a commitment to 'One ORNL' by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab
Serve as direct supervisor for section Group Leaders
Counsel/consult/mentor staff and transfer knowledge of specialized field(s) to a variety of staff, including senior staff
Connect staff to your network. Assist Group Leaders (and R&D staff when appropriate) in setting long-term career goals. Identify additional mentors as appropriate and engage senior staff to act in this capacity
Be open and transparent in communicating information to your groups and communicate staff achievements and changes to stakeholders in a timely manner
Work with Group Leaders to ensure staff are participating actively in professional service (engagement in scientific societies, workshop and conference organization, peer review, advisory board membership, etc.)
Advocate for and support internal and external recognition of staff achievements. Ensure the Section’s external professional presence is strong
Communicate funding/proposal opportunities to staff and support proposal development as appropriate (mentoring, proposal reviews, budget preparation, etc.)
Ensure that staff manage their research projects effectively to deliver results on scope, schedule, and budget while meeting scientific, technical, and business expectations
Effectively communicate the importance of protecting proprietary or sensitive information and complying with ORNL cybersecurity policies and guidelines
Recognize and support the contributions and responsibilities of Group Leaders and Laboratory Space Managers to lab safety
To section staff, for the quality and safety of their work environment and opportunity for professional growth
To organization managers, for world-leading science and technology directions, safe effective, and compliant operations, ownership of assigned staff, facilities, and equipment, and the quality of products and services
To customer, for the quality of products and service
Develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading science and technology directions for the section
Hold group leaders accountable for performance
Act to ensure safe and effective operations
Hire group leaders
Qualification
Required
PhD with a minimum of 12-years relevant experience or a MS with a minimum of 16-years experience or a BS with 20-years of experience
Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams
Familiarity with fusion technology and needs for a fusion power plant
The ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance from the Department of Energy, which requires US Citizenship
Preferred
Recognized leader in the field of fusion technology with a broad understanding of the full range of nuclear science and engineering challenges anticipated in future fusion power plants
Ability to work with a broad range of research staff (both internal and external) and sponsors including private companies to develop a compelling, actionable research plan in fusion nuclear science and technology
Capability to coordinate activities across multiple research groups towards a common goal
Benefits
Medical and retirement plans
Flexible work hours
On-site fitness
Banking
Cafeteria facilities
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
Company
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory holds a range of R&D assignments, from fundamental nuclear physics to applied R&D on advanced energy systems.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$9.8MKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2023-09-21Grant· $4.8M
2023-07-27Grant
2022-03-14Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Arjun Shankar
Division Director, National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Brett Ellis
Division Director - Research Computing Support
Recent News
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