Group Leader, Macromolecular Nanomaterials

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory's CNMS seeks an R&D Group Leader for the Macromolecular Nanomaterials (MACRO) Group. This senior role blends scientific leadership with active research in polymers, soft matter, and advanced characterization to support the CNMS user program and in‑house themes.

The leader will shape division strategy, build strong teams across ORNL facilities, and drive pioneering work in synthesis, diagnostics, and autonomous experimentation, while upholding ORNL safety and

Responsibilities

• Lead and champion internationally renowned, innovative science related to soft matter synthesis, in situ diagnostics and development of autonomous synthesis platforms.
• Be responsible for initiating, planning and managing group activities related to the execution of the CNMS Theme Science and User Programs.
• Plan and lead new major research programs across the division, directorate and laboratory contributing to and developing new research proposals & new collaborative relationships.
• Establish and maintain an internationally recognized research reputation in soft matter and macromolecular science through scientific contributions, leadership of major research initiatives, and active engagement with the broader scientific community, including professional societies and advisory committees.
• Work closely with the CNMS Division Director and your Section Head to implement the CNMS strategic plan in pursuit of world‑leading science and technology directions for the group.
• Build strong teams by collaborating across ORNL and securing external expertise when needed, and leverage ORNL facilities and resources when developing new projects.
• Work with your Section Head and CNMS Division Director to assess and calibrate individual staff performance within your group. Evaluate progress regularly, provide feedback and address performance issues in a timely manner.
• Recruit and hire necessary staff 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.
• 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 commitment to ORNL by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by

Job description

We are seeking an R&D Group Leader for the Macromolecular Nanomaterials (Macro) Group within the Nanomaterials Synthesis and Nanofabrication Section at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS). The CNMS provides the national and international user communities access to expertise and equipment for a broad range of nanoscience research, including nanomaterials synthesis, nanofabrication, imaging/microscopy/characterization, and theory/modeling/simulation. The selected group leader will be part of the Nanomaterials Synthesis and Nanofabrication Section, which develops and applies state-of-the‑art synthesis and diagnostics methods to understand growth mechanisms and function of complex materials in support of the CNMS user program and in‑house theme science.

As a Senior R&D Staff Member and Group Leader at the CNMS, your work will combine science with leadership. As a Group Leader, you will be instrumental in shaping and implementing division strategies across your group to deliver world‑leading science along with a robust and impactful collaborative user program. This will include leading and conducting groundbreaking, scientific research in your own area of expertise as part of the CNMS theme science program as well as through external programs related to material synthesis and nanofabrication.

The Macromolecular Nanomaterials (MACRO) Group advances the synthesis, characterization, and understanding of polymers, soft matter, and complex molecular materials. The group integrates precision macromolecular synthesis, advanced characterization, computational modeling, and emerging autonomous experimentation approaches to understand and control molecular structure, interactions, and materials functionality. Distinctive capabilities include precision polymer synthesis, isotopic labeling and deuteration, advanced spectroscopy, and additive manufacturing. The group plays a central role in connecting molecular design and synthesis with neutron scattering research at ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor. Looking forward, the group is expanding its capabilities in AI‑guided synthesis, automated experimentation, and integrated characterization to accelerate the discovery and development of functional soft materials.

The Group Leader provides R&D leadership to the group that strategically advances science and technology consistent with ORNL’s position as a premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture, while also conducting their own research and working directly and collaboratively with users. At the CNMS, the group leader will also work with staff across the Center to simultaneously cultivate and grow new and ongoing areas of scientific research as well as identify new capabilities that meet the demands of our user community.

The R&D group leader brings together a group of peers with the primary goal of pursuing global scientific leadership in their field, nurtures ORNL’s culture among group members, and continues to build and scale up individual excellence and impact in R&D. The R&D group leader reports to and works closely with the R&D section head and division director to implement the group’s scientific vision; develops group members to enable their career advancement; establishes capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one’s respective specialty; sets, implements, and models standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures an inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead and champion internationally renowned, innovative science related to soft matter synthesis, in situ diagnostics and development of autonomous synthesis platforms.
• Be responsible for initiating, planning and managing group activities related to the execution of the CNMS Theme Science and User Programs.
• Plan and lead new major research programs across the division, directorate and laboratory contributing to and developing new research proposals & new collaborative relationships.
• Establish and maintain an internationally recognized research reputation in soft matter and macromolecular science through scientific contributions, leadership of major research initiatives, and active engagement with the broader scientific community, including professional societies and advisory committees.
• Work closely with the CNMS Division Director and your Section Head to implement the CNMS strategic plan in pursuit of world‑leading science and technology directions for the group.
• Build strong teams by collaborating across ORNL and securing external expertise when needed, and leverage ORNL facilities and resources when developing new projects.
• Work with your Section Head and CNMS Division Director to assess and calibrate individual staff performance within your group. Evaluate progress regularly, provide feedback and address performance issues in a timely manner.
• Recruit and hire necessary staff 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.
• 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 commitment to ORNL by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by