Group Leader, Multimodal Sensor Analytics

UT-Battelle; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Educational Assistance

Wellness Programs

Employee Discounts

Job summary

UT-Battelle’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Group Leader for the Multimodal Sensor Analytics (MSA) group within the ESAC section of the EEID. The role centers on AI/ML methods, image and signal processing, and sensor systems across security, biometrics, computational imaging, and energy infrastructures.

You will lead 8–12 researchers, shape strategic directions, and collaborate across labs to ensure high-impact R&D while fostering safety and ORNL values.

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in image/signal processing and machine learning.
• Demonstrated experience and success in leading R&D teams.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, lead and perform independent R&D on an ongoing basis.
• Develop and grow programs in image/signal processing, applied machine learning, and artificial intelligence for applications including AI security, computational imaging, biometrics, nuclear nonproliferation, and energy infrastructures.
• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects to position the group for future success.
• Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals. Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner.
• Provide input to assist the ESAC Section Head with staff development while guiding staff regularly.
• Attract a quality, diverse pool of top candidates and hire staff committed to world-class R&D.
• Lead by example via ORNL's Research Code of Conduct and communicate research.
• Serve as immediate supervisor for staff in the group.
• Advance the group’s reputation through collaborations and technical leadership.
• Support staff by reviewing proposals, publications, and artifacts to ensure high quality.
• Hold regular scientific/technical group meetings and be visible in labs and workplace.
• Front-line responsibility for safety in the group’s laboratory; mentor Space Managers to foster safety.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by upholding core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, Service.

Education

PhD in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a group leader who will focus on AI/ML methods/application, image/signal processing, and sensor systems. This position resides in the Multimodal Sensor Analytics (MSA) group in the Energy Sensing Analytics and Communications (ESAC) section, Electrical and Energy Infrastructures Division (EEID), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Requisition Id 16263 We are seeking a group leader who will focus on AI/ML methods/application, image/signal processing, and sensor systems. This position resides in the Multimodal Sensor Analytics (MSA) group in the Energy Sensing Analytics and Communications (ESAC) section, Electrical and Energy Infrastructures Division (EEID), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The MSA Group Leader will be responsible for leading research in AI/ML for sensor analytics systems, work with the section head to develop strategies for maintaining and growing technical application spaces and leading a group of 8-12 researchers within MSA. Special emphasis and focus is towards the research, development, and demonstration of advanced image/signal processing, machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques applied toward AI security, biometrics, computational imaging, and energy infrastructures.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Initiate, lead and perform independent R&D on an ongoing basis.
• Develop and grow programs in image/signal processing, applied machine learning, and artificial intelligence for applications for application areas including AI security, computational imaging, biometrics, nuclear nonproliferation, and energy infrastructures.
• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects to position the group for future success.
• Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals. Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner.
• Provide relevant input to assist the ESAC Section Head with staff development while providing direct and impactful guidance to staff on regular basis.
• Attract a quality, diverse pool of top candidates and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field.
• Lead by example by exercising the principles in ORNL's "Research Code of Conduct" as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
• Serve as immediate supervisor for staff members in group.
• Advance the reputation of the group members and standing of the group through establishing collaborations, Professional Society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events.
• Support group members by consistently reviewing technical products such as proposals, publications, and artifacts to ensure high quality and consistency with ORNL standards.
• Hold regular scientific/technical group meetings and be visible in the labs and workplace.
• Assume front-line responsibility for safety in the group’s laboratory; mentor and empower the Laboratory Space Managers to create a strong safety culture.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in image/signal processing and machine learning
• Demonstrated experience and success in leading R&D teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

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, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

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

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.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer.

UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.