Director, Center for Functional Nanomaterials

Brookhaven National Laboratory; New York (NY); On-site; USD 190,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory is seeking a Director for the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Upton, NY. The role provides scientific and operational leadership to guide a premier nanoscience facility and user program, interfacing with DOE and BNL leadership to set strategic direction and ensure high-impact research.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field with 12+ years of research experience, including 8+ years in leadership, and a proven track record in managing

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or suitable Engineering discipline with a nanoscience focus; 12+ years of relevant experience including 8+ years in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead CFN scientific and facility strategy and align with national science priorities.
• Oversee CFN research program across all scientific groups and ensure alignment with facility capabilities.
• Manage CFN operating budget for facility operations and investments.
• Ensure safe facility operations and foster a culture of safety across CFN activities.
• Represent CFN within BNL and contribute to Laboratory-level strategic initiatives.

Skills

Scientific leadership

DOE liaison

Budget management

Safety culture

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or engineering

Job description

Director, Center for Functional NanomaterialsSkip to main content#Director, Center for Functional Nanomaterials page is loaded## Director, Center for Functional NanomaterialsApplylocations: Upton, NYtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 3 Days Agojob requisition id: JR102567The Energy & Photon Sciences Directorate at Brookhaven National Laboratory advances fundamental and applied research in energy-related and photon-based sciences. The directorate supports a broad scientific mission spanning chemistry, materials science, condensed matter physics, and nanoscience, with a focus on understanding and controlling matter at the atomic and molecular scale. It operates world-class research facilities, including the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) and associated beamlines, enabling cutting-edge studies in energy storage, catalysis, quantum materials, and advanced imaging. The directorate plays a key role in supporting U.S. Department of Energy missions by driving scientific discovery, enabling user research programs, and fostering innovation in energy technologies and materials science.Brookhaven National Laboratory invites applications for the position of Director of the Center for Functional Nanomaterials. This senior leadership role carries responsibility for all aspects of CFN operations: scientific direction, user program, staff development, sponsor relationship, and BNL institutional engagement. The CFN Director reports to the Director of Energy Sciences and serves as a Division Leader within the Energy Sciences Department.The CFN Director brings a strong scientific background, demonstrated experience leading research programs and scientific staff, and experience working within the DOE research environment. The ideal candidate combines scientific vision with the ability to galvanize staff, users, and sponsors around ambitious program directions. Experience directing a DOE user facility is an asset but is not required. Senior scientific leaders within DOE user facilities are encouraged to apply.**Key Responsibilities****Scientific and Facility Leadership**You will:* Lead CFN scientific and facility strategy, working with the CFN leadership team to design, assess, and adjust the five-year strategic plan in alignment with national science priorities.* Oversee the CFN research program across all scientific groups, ensuring productive alignment between staff research and facility capabilities.* Manage the CFN operating budget allocating resources for facility operations and sustained investment in new nanoscience capabilities.* Ensure safe facility operations, fostering a culture of safety across all CFN activities.* Represent the CFN within BNL by contributing to Laboratory-level strategic initiatives.**User Program and DOE Relationship**You will:* Ensure a productive, and well-supported user community by engaging in multiple ways, including through the Users Executive Committee, to communicate facility plans, gather feedback, and strengthen the user program.* Cultivate the CFN relationship with the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences, keeping them apprised of CFN accomplishments, operational status, and strategic directions.* Lead the CFN through DOE facility operations reviews and all associated preparation, documentation, and follow-up.* Work closely with the DOE Program Manager, maintaining regular communication on facility operations, research highlights, and staff accomplishments.**Staff Development and Organizational Culture**You will:* Recruit, develop, and retain a cross functional staff of 70 expert scientists and technical professionals.* Foster a dynamic, inclusive work environment where staff contributions are recognized and staff members are encouraged to grow professionally.* Communicate the CFN mission clearly and consistently to staff, users, DOE, and the broader scientific community.**BNL and Institutional Engagement**You will:* Engage the CFN Advisory Committees, organizing regular meetings and responding to committee recommendations.* Represent the CFN in internal BNL leadership forums, including strategic planning.* Present the CFN to external audiences including DOE staff, visiting scientists and leaders, and the general public.**Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**You are qualified for this position if:* You have earned a Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a suitable Engineering discipline, with a research focus in nanoscience, and have at least 12 years of relevant experience following the completion of your Ph.D., including a minimum of 8 years of leadership experience, which must include formal supervisory/managerial responsibility.* You have led an internationally recognized research program evidenced by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and invited talks at conferences and workshops;* You have experience managing a research sponsor relationship, including reporting on program progress and responding to sponsor priorities;* You have managed a significant research or facility budget, including allocation across personnel, operations, and capital investments;* You are committed to working safely and fostering an environment of safe work practices.**Preferred Skills, and Abilities**You are well-matched to this position if:* You have built and led a complex, multidisciplinary scientific initiative, coordinating large teams including collaborators outside your direct organization.* You have experience engaging with DOE as a research sponsor, including reporting on program progress and responding to sponsor priorities;* You have demonstrated the ability to develop a compelling scientific vision and translate it into a program that attracts and motivates talented scientists;* You can communicate and advocate compellingly for a scientific program in diverse forums, including to scientists, facility users, sponsors, the general public, and leadership;* You have experience with strategic planning, program reviews, and reporting processes;* You have experience supervising and developing scientific staff in a research organization;* You have experience with DOE user facilities and/or externally reviewed scientific programs;**Additional Information:*** This is a fully onsite position located at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY.* This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. **Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at** **BNL | Benefits Program** Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory – view more information at www.bnl.gov/real-id. This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act. **Those not in possession of a REAL ID-compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews**. As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg. 2, *Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM-* Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM)*)*, and DOE Order 473.1A- Physical Protection Program- Physical Protection Program. **About Us**Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory. **Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer**Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. \*VEVRAA Federal Contractor BSA employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file