Director, Center for Functional Nanomaterials

Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory is seeking a Director for the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) to lead scientific strategy, program oversight, and staff development at the CFN. The role interfaces with DOE and BNL leadership, shaping the facility's future and ensuring safe, productive operations.

The Director will manage a diverse, cross‑disciplinary team, cultivate sponsor relationships, and represent CFN in external forums while advancing nanoscience capabilities at Brookhaven.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or engineering with nanoscience focus.
• At least 12 years of relevant research experience, including 8 years in supervisory roles.
• Proven record of peer‑reviewed publications and invited talks.
• Experience managing sponsor relationships and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead CFN scientific and facility strategy aligned with national science priorities.
• Oversee CFN research programs and ensure alignment with facility capabilities.
• Manage CFN operating budget and allocate resources for operations and investments.
• Ensure safe facility operations and foster a safety culture.
• Represent CFN within BNL and with external sponsors and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

DOE relationships

Staff development

Safety culture

Communication

Program oversight

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Materials Science / Physics / Chemistry / Engineering

Job description

The 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.

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, including scientific direction, user program, staff development, sponsor relationships, 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.

Scientific and Facility Leadership

• 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

• Ensure a productive and well‑supported user community by engaging through the Users Executive Committee, communicating facility plans, gathering feedback, and strengthening 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

• 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

• 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, leaders, and the general public.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Earned a Ph.D. 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, including a minimum of 8 years of formal supervisory/managerial responsibility.
• Leaded an internationally recognized research program evidenced by a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications and invited talks at conferences and workshops.
• Managed a research sponsor relationship, including reporting on program progress and responding to sponsor priorities.
• Managed a significant research or facility budget, including allocation across personnel, operations, and capital investments.
• Committed to working safely and fostering an environment of safe work practices.

Preferred Skills, and Abilities

• Built and led a complex, multidisciplinary scientific initiative, coordinating large teams including collaborators outside the direct organization.
• Engaged with DOE as a research sponsor, reporting on program progress and responding to sponsor priorities.
• Demonstrated the ability to develop a compelling scientific vision and translate it into a program that attracts and motivates talented scientists.
• Communicated and advocated compellingly for a scientific program in diverse forums, including scientists, facility users, sponsors, the general public, and leadership.
• Experienced with strategic planning, program reviews, and reporting processes.
• Supervised and developed scientific staff in a research organization.
• Experienced 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.

Benefits

• Brookhaven National Laboratory offers a comprehensive benefits program. For complete details, please consult the BNL Benefits Program.

Equal Opportunity / Affimative 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 and 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