Division Director - Physics

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

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

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a visionary Director of the Physics Division to lead a 60-person team and shape research in fundamental and applied nuclear and particle physics, instrumentation, theory, and computation. The role emphasizes collaboration across ORNL and national laboratories, with a focus on national-security objectives.

The Director will cultivate interdisciplinary partnerships, attract and retain top researchers, and advance large-scale programs tied to the

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Physics or a related field.
• 15+ years of professional research beyond the doctorate.
• At least 5 years leading multi-disciplinary research groups.
• Distinguished record of research with publications, patents, or funded work.
• Prior experience working with the DOE.

Responsibilities

• Define a clear research vision for nuclear and high-energy physics and national security.
• Drive a strategic vision for the Division and elevate capabilities.
• Create a stimulating environment for creativity and scientific excellence.
• Foster clear communications within and outside the Division and advocate for it.
• Manage resources, hiring, procurement, and space allocation.
• Mentor staff for professional growth and development.
• Promote safety, security, and ethical values across Division activities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic vision

Communication skills

Mentoring staff

Team building

Education

PhD in Physics

Job description

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an outstanding leader for the position of Director of the Physics Division. The Physics Division conducts research in fundamental and applied nuclear and particle physics through innovation, instrumentation, theory, and computation. Key focus areas include fundamental symmetries, nuclear structure physics, nuclear astrophysics, heavy-ion collisions, and national security.The division seeks to understand neutron and neutrino properties, taking advantage of the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor, located at ORNL. The division also leads an international effort to search for neutrinoless double beta decay through the LEGEND-1000 project. The Director will lead a team of 60 people, build upon large-scale research programs, develop interdisciplinary collaborations across ORNL and with other national laboratories and universities, and expand Division expertise to national-security objectives. This position reports to the Associate Laboratory Director for Physical Sciences.

The Division Director’s responsibilities include:

• Defining a clear research vision in nuclear physics, high-energy physics, as well as in national security, that provides a distinctive and world-leading identity for the Physics Division.
• Driving a strategic vision and future strategy for the Division that continuously elevates the expertise, opportunities, unique capabilities, and research and development excellence.
• Ensuring a stimulating environment for creativity and scientific excellence that will attract and retain outstanding research staff.
• Fostering clear communications within and outside the Physics Division, highlighting technical achievements and staff recognition, identifying new research opportunities, advocating for the division, and addressing issues of importance for the organization.
• Managing resources and operations of a research organization by identifying opportunities to enhance capabilities with respect to hiring staff, procuring equipment, and allocation of space.
• Mentoring staff for professional success.
• Promoting a culture of safety and security in the workplace.
• Maintaining a strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Physics or a related field.
• A minimum of fifteen years of professional research experience beyond the doctorate in academia, industry, or at a national laboratory.
• At least five years of experience leading multi-disciplinary research groups or organizations.
• A distinguished record of research achievement, as evidenced by publications, reports, patents, and/or funded research projects.
• Prior experience working with the Department of Energy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with the DOE Office of High Energy or Nuclear Physics.
• Prior experience with the National Nuclear Security Administration.
• Prior experience with large international collaborations.
• Prior experience with project management.
• A demonstrated record of supporting the professional development of research staff.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and enjoy working in a team environment.
• Ability to foster and maintain high standards in Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) and Quality assurance for all of the Division’s activities.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
• Please provide a CV including a list of publications, and references when applying for this position.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors.

The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits:

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours

Employee amenities include:

• on‑site fitness
• banking
• cafeteria facilities

Other benefits include the following:

• 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

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.