Group Leader, Multimodal Sensor Analytics

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prescription Drug Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a group leader for the Multimodal Sensor Analytics group within the ESAC section of the EEID, ESTD. The role focuses on AI/ML methods, image/signal processing, and sensor systems, guiding 8–12 researchers toward advancing AI security, computational imaging, and energy infrastructures.

The successful candidate will shape research directions, mentor staff, and foster collaborations while upholding ORNL's safety culture and core values.

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in image/signal processing and machine learning.
• Proven track record of 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 AI for security, imaging, biometrics and energy infrastructures.
• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group research strategy for future success.
• Assist staff in setting performance goals aligned with group strategy and career goals.
• Provide input to ESAC Section Head on staff development and guidance.
• Attract top candidates and hire staff committed to world-class R&D.

Skills

Image processing

Machine learning

R&D leadership

Education

PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

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.

Benefits

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, and Employee Discounts.

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.