Nuclear Science Division Director

Berkeley Lab; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 320,000 - 375,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA, seeks a dynamic Director for the Nuclear Science Division. You will provide scientific and operational leadership for a $50 million portfolio, oversee 300+ staff and affiliates, and partner with UC Berkeley to advance nuclear physics research and training.

This full-time, on-site role requires a compelling vision, steadfast integrity, effective resource management, and the ability to collaborate with DOE, external sponsors, and national user

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent education/experience in nuclear physics or a related field, and at least 10 years of professional experience post doctorate.
• Internationally recognized scientific leader with a distinguished record of research accomplishments.
• Significant experience managing multi-program research portfolios, safety, financial stewardship, workforce planning, and long-term program sustainability.
• Ability to interact with funding agencies, including the DOE, and initiate substantial new research efforts and collaborations.
• Demonstrated scientific and strategic leadership ability for running a large, diverse, team-oriented organization.
• Experience in human resource management and commitment to mentoring and career development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and operational leadership for the Nuclear Science Division’s research programs, overseeing a $50-million portfolio and over 300 employees and affiliates.
• Develop long-term research vision aligned with the Area’s 2025 Strategic Plan and national goals.
• Ensure operational efficiencies across budgets, HR, safety, and facilities management.
• Collaborate with UC Berkeley and other institutions to develop cooperative programs.
• Champion and communicate the Nuclear Science Division’s mission to sponsors, leadership, and the research community.
• Lead talent management, mentoring, and career development to build a high-performing organization.

Skills

Leadership

Scientific leadership

Communication skills

Team management

Education

Ph.D. in nuclear physics or related field

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a dynamic scientific leader with an international reputation and outstanding record of scientific accomplishment to serve as the Director of the Nuclear Science Division. Reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director for Physical Sciences, the Nuclear Science Division Director is responsible for providing vision and leadership for the research and operations activities of the Division, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $50 million and a staff of over 100 employees and 200 affiliates. The Director has full responsibility for all areas of management within the division, including scientific research, operations, finance, human resources, and environmental, health and safety. The Director establishes a culture of scientific excellence, service, integrity, accountability, trust, respect, safety, and collaboration by recruiting a broad population of outstanding scientists and support staff, as well as enthusiastically supporting and promoting their career development.

About the Nuclear Science Division:

The Nuclear Science Division conducts research in relativistic nuclear collisions, hadronic physics, neutrino physics and fundamental symmetries, low energy nuclear physics and chemistry, nuclear theory, nuclear data, and applied nuclear physics. The Nuclear Science Division operates the 88” Cyclotron for external users as well as for internal experimental programs. The Nuclear Science Division program is further enabled by strong connections with Berkeley Lab’s matrixed Engineering Division staff and the Computing Sciences Area's two national user facilities (NERSC and ESNet) and its research divisions (Advanced Mathematics & Computational Research and Scientific Data). The Division also maintains a strong, collaborative partnership with UC Berkeley Physics and Nuclear Engineering Departments, integrating leading faculty scientists and talented graduate students into Berkeley Lab’s research environment to foster a stimulating intellectual community. Learn more about the Division here.

The Nuclear Science Division Director will:

• Provide scientific and operational leadership for the Nuclear Science Division’s research programs, overseeing a $50-million portfolio and over 300 employees and affiliates, including scientists, postdoctoral fellows, administrative, technical and operations staff, and students.
• Effectively manage existing programs and guide the development of new initiatives within the framework of a long-term research vision building on the Area’s 2025 Strategic Plan and aligned with national goals.
• Partner with the operations staff to ensure operational efficiencies across the full range of operations areas, including budgets, funding, workforce planning, human resources management, environmental, health, and safety, property, space, and facilities management.
• Work collaboratively with the Associate Laboratory Director for Physical Sciences and other Division Directors to develop research initiatives, programs, and other activities to advance the mission of the Physical Sciences Area.
• Collaborate with colleagues at UC Berkeley and other research institutions to develop cooperative programs to the mutual benefit of Berkeley Lab and its partners.
• Champion and communicate the Nuclear Science Division’s mission, goals, and accomplishments to Division employees, funding sponsors, Berkeley Lab leadership and staff, and to the broader research community.
• Make substantial contributions to the formulation and direction of Laboratory programs that enhance Berkeley Lab’s preeminence as a National Laboratory.
• Serve as a point of contact to DOE officials for Nuclear Physics related research and applications, and implement DOE policies as they impact the Nuclear Science Division. Coordinate with other funding agencies and their respective Berkeley Lab points of contact.
• Address management and resource challenges of a complex organization.
• Participate in formulating the research policy and long-term direction of the Laboratory as a whole, and provide consultation to the Laboratory Director, Deputy Directors, and Associate Laboratory Director regarding new initiatives for the strategic direction.
• Work as a team member with other Berkeley Lab scientific and operational Division Directors, the Associate Laboratory Directors, and the Laboratory Directorate to advance the interests of Berkeley Lab and assure efficient, effective, and safe operation of the Laboratory.
• Conduct research in an area of nuclear physics that is preferably aligned with one of the Nuclear Science Division research programs.
• Provide leadership for talent management to motivate and assure a high-performing organization through effective recruitment, mentoring, career development, performance management, retention, and succession planning, and proactively promoting and exemplifying stewardship values, to cultivate the next generation researchers and leaders.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent education/experience in nuclear physics or a related field, and at least 10 years of professional experience post doctorate.
• Internationally recognized scientific leader with a distinguished record of research accomplishments.
• Significant experience and demonstrated competence in the management of scientific projects, collaborative research programs, and a substantial multi-program research portfolio, including safety, financial stewardship, resource prioritization, workforce planning, and long-term program sustainability, including maintaining an active research program.
• Ability to interact effectively with funding agencies, including the DOE, and demonstrated ability to initiate substantial new research efforts and collaborations.
• Demonstrated scientific and strategic leadership ability applicable to running a large, diverse, team-oriented organization with a multidisciplinary group of scientists and engineers.
• Demonstrated experience in effective management and administrative oversight, creativity in decision making and problem solving, experience in human resource management and a commitment to mentoring and career development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to interact at the highest level of management, both internally and externally, in a constructive and collaborative manner and in a way that appropriately represents the Laboratory.
• Commitment to upholding the Laboratory’s stewardship principles, especially with regard to the Lab’s research, people, and resources.

Application Guidelines:

• Please submit your CV and letter of interest by September 21, 2026, for priority consideration.
• In the cover letter, please highlight (i) your interest and vision for the position, (ii) relevant organizational leadership experience, and (iii) relevant research accomplishments.

Notes:

• Appointment Type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid). The Nuclear Science Division Director position is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
• Salary Range: The expected salary range for this position is $320,000 - $375,000. The final salary will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and will be aligned with the internal leadership peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range.
• Background Check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Designated Official: This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• Export Control Access: This position will involve access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to export control regulations including, but not limited to, the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and/or International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, any hiring decision may depend in part on Berkeley Lab’s ability to obtain or rely on federal government authorizations as required, if you are not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. ("green card holder"), asylee, refugee, or other qualifying protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
• Work Modality: This position requires regular on-site presence at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, with business travel.