Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division Director

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 253,997 - 396,236; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Director for the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division. This role requires visionary leadership to advance scientific strategies and manage division operations, ensuring compliance with policies.

Candidates should possess a Ph.D. and extensive experience in scientific leadership, with a strong track record of building effective research teams. The salary range is between $253,997.00 and $396,235.71, complemented by comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field with at least 15 years of experience in scientific leadership.
• Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and securing funding.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and define scientific strategy.
• Manage division operations, staffing, and financial planning.
• Champion partnerships across Argonne, academia, and government.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Team building

Interdisciplinary research

Excellent communication

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering field

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for the position of Director for the Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Division, a research division within the Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate. The CSE Division drives breakthrough scientific discovery and innovation in chemical sciences and engineering to address major societal challenges in energy, materials, and national security.

Division research spans fundamental and translational science, from atomic, molecular, nano, and mesoscale chemistries to complex chemical transformations (including photochemistry, electrochemistry, catalysis, geochemistry, and combustion), as well as energy storage and conversion, separations science, heavy element chemistry, ultra-fast chemistry, and interfacial phenomena. Leveraging world‑class experimental and computational capabilities, including the Advanced Photon Source, Center for Nanoscale Materials, Leadership Computing Facility, and the Accelerated Discovery Laboratory, the division delivers high‑impact science and partnerships that shape the future of energy and chemical technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to define and advance the division’s scientific strategy and research priorities, including fundamental chemical physics, gas phase dynamics, energy storage and conversion, separations science, heavy elements chemistry, ultrafast chemistry, catalysis, interfacial sciences, computational and data‑enabled discovery, and translational chemical engineering.
• Lead the development of ambitious, cohesive research agendas that leverage CSE’s strengths and Argonne’s national user facilities to address pressing challenges in energy, chemical transformations, and critical materials.
• Champion interdisciplinary research and partnerships across Argonne, academia, industry, and government agencies to enhance impact and accelerate deployment of new technologies.
• Manage division operations, including research execution, staffing and talent development, financial planning, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and safety that enables scientists and staff to thrive.
• Serve as a principal advocate and spokesperson for the division’s science to DOE sponsors, funding agencies, stakeholders, and the broader scientific community.
• Serve as laboratory point of contact for DOE, Basic Energy Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division.
• Acquire and maintain relationships with multiple funding sources including the DOE Office of Critical Materials and Energy Innovation (CMEI) and Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and Laboratory policies and maintain high standards of scientific integrity, environmental, safety, and security practices.

Position Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering field supplemented by no less than fifteen years of experience including relevant, demonstrated accomplishments in scientific leadership.
• Demonstrated success in setting scientific direction, building and sustaining high‑performing teams, and fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative research programs.
• Clear record of research accomplishments and ability to secure competitive external funding.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience interacting with senior leadership, government sponsors, and scientific peers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role within a national laboratory, research institute, or academic setting.
• Established relationships with DOE Science programs and knowledge of federal research priorities in energy, chemical sciences, and related fields.
• Track record of driving large‑scale research initiatives, partnerships, and impact‑oriented scientific agendas.
• Commitment to mentoring scientists and promoting an impactful and collaborative research environment.

Job Family: Research Development (RD). Job Profile: R&D Multi-Functional Leader 4. Worker Type: Regular Time, Full time.

The expected hiring range for this position is $253,997.00 - $396,235.71. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case‑by‑case basis. Each position may require the individual to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.