Research Operations Manager

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 211,000 - 316,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a Research Operations Manager for the Integrative Discovery Sciences Directorate to shape and lead operational strategy enabling its scientific mission. You will partner with IDSD leaders and M&O to anticipate needs, set priorities, and ensure reliable day‑to‑day execution, with accountability for EH&S, F&O, and security processes.

You will drive long‑term planning, risk assessment, and cross‑directorate coordination to deliver research impact

Qualifications

• BS/BA and 12 years of experience required or MS/MA or higher with 10 years of experience.
• Preference for demonstrated experience leading complex operational initiatives across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to translate scientific priorities into operational strategy and align resources.

Responsibilities

• Translate scientific priorities into a multiyear operational plan with clear priorities.
• Advise leadership on operational risks, options, and tradeoffs affecting research delivery.
• Lead cross‑organisational operational practices across IDSD.
• Anticipate operational and infrastructure needs and help shape plans and investments.
• Lead and develop the Operations Office team and manage the budget.
• Strengthen safety culture and integrate safety into operations.

Education

BS/BA and 12 years of experience

MS/MA or higher and 10 years of experience

Job description

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) leads fundamental research across biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, materials science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, mathematics, autonomy, and DOE national user facilities. Our vision is to accelerate scientific discovery by observing, understanding, simulating, predicting, and controlling dynamic biotic-abiotic processes and interactions within complex biological, chemical, material, and Earth systems. We intentionally connect disciplines to advance fundamental discovery science, develop transformative scientific capabilities, and address the nation’s most important challenges in energy, environmental resilience, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health, and national security.

Responsibilities

The Integrative Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) is seeking a Research Operations Manager to shape and lead the operational strategy that enables its scientific mission. Reporting to the IDSD Chief Operating Officer, this leader will partner with research and M&O leaders to anticipate emerging needs, set operational priorities, strengthen performance and safety, and build capabilities that support current and future research. The role combines strategic counsel to directorate leadership with accountability for the Operations Office and reliable day‑to‑day execution.

The Operations Manager partners with IDSD leaders and M&O organizations to align operational capabilities, requirements, and investments with research priorities. The incumbent helps leadership assess tradeoffs, remove systemic barriers, and integrate effective operational solutions into mission execution.

In PNNL’s changing work environment, the Operations Manager anticipates emerging risks and requirements, advises on their implications for IDSD, and leads an appropriate response. The role also remains accountable for timely day‑to‑day support, including the ability to respond to significant events and issues 24/7 and to ensure that changes in organizational and Laboratory requirements are communicated and implemented effectively.

The Operations Manager reports to the IDSD Chief Operating Officer and works with line management, Project Management Office Directors, and research and support organizations at all levels. This leader mentors and manages Operations Office staff, influences decisions across organizational boundaries, and has latitude to make decisions on behalf of IDSD. The Operations Manager is considered an expert with respect to Environment Safety & Health (ES&H), Facilities & Operations (F&O) and Security related processes, procedures and requirements. The work spans long‑term operational planning and organizational change as well as urgent issues requiring sound judgment, coordination, and follow‑through.

Key Expectations:

• Translate IDSD scientific priorities into a multiyear operational plan, with clear priorities for capabilities, infrastructure, staffing, and investment.
• Advise the IDSD Chief Operating Officer and leadership team on operational risks, options, and tradeoffs that affect research delivery and future capabilities.
• Lead the integration of operational practices across IDSD, establishing consistent approaches while addressing the distinct needs of its research areas.
• Anticipate operational and infrastructure needs for sustaining current research and expanding future research capabilities; help shape plans and investment requests.
• Build productive relationships across the Laboratory and with DOE Pacific Northwest Site Office (PNSO) staff; influence leaders and staff to resolve cross‑organizational issues.
• Use performance measures, assessments, and lessons learned to identify trends, improve systems, and strengthen the directorate’s operational culture.
• Lead and develop the Operations Office team, manage the Research Operations budget, and provide day‑to‑day leadership to directorate‑matrixed EH&S, Environmental, and other subject‑matter experts and support staff.
• Strengthen the organization’s safety culture through the Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles and integrate safety into operational decisions.
• Develop and execute the Operational Performance Management plan, including an assessment schedule that informs leadership decisions and continuous improvement.
• Identify and mitigate critical operational risks, anticipate changing requirements, and coordinate timely communication and implementation across IDSD.
• Guide cognizant space managers and work with support organizations to resolve issues affecting research staff and project execution.
• Lead operational event recovery, including fact‑finding, cause analysis, extent‑of‑condition and extent‑of‑cause reviews, corrective‑action planning, effectiveness reviews, and lessons learned.
• Partner with Facilities and Infrastructure on planning and requests, identify opportunities to meet research needs, and oversee coordination of tactical move requests.
• Analyze options with support organizations, maintain situational awareness and continuity during complex issues, and recommend solutions to IDSD leadership.
• Develop effective solutions to highly complex operational problems for which no precedent or established practice exists.

The Operations Manager is accountable to the IDSD Chief Operating Officer, management team, and staff for these responsibilities and to M&O Laboratory management for integrating M&O expectations. Through this work, the incumbent advances safe, effective, and efficient execution of the IDSD mission.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 12 years of experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 10 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience leading complex operational initiatives across organizational boundaries, advising senior leaders on risks and priorities, and implementing changes with measurable results.
• Demonstrated ability to translate organizational or scientific priorities into an operational strategy, align resources and stakeholders, and measure progress.
• Experience leading organizational change and integrating new operating principles and practices across diverse teams.
• Ability to lead through influence at all levels within and across directorates and with M&O organizations.
• Advanced degree and extensive experience in broad operational positions, including ESH, F&O, or Quality.
• Experience with or knowledge of laboratory practices for biology, chemistry, high‑hazard operations, and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to the Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles.
• Strong operational discipline and experience in process or systems engineering or DOE Conduct of Operations.
• Ability to obtain Radiological Worker I qualification.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co‑workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre‑employment drug testing, and post‑employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non‑use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non‑use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre‑employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world‑class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45‑minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [e-mail].

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug‑free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company‑funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job‑related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited‑term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $210,500.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $315,800.00/Yr.