Section Head - Sample Environment & Labs

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Medical Plan

Retirement Plan

On-site Fitness

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Section Head for Sample Environment & Labs within the Neutron Scattering Division. The role leads strategy deployment across SNS and HFIR, integrating user labs and advanced sample environments into a premier user program.

You will supervise Group Leaders, guide hiring and career development, and drive excellence in user support while aligning with ORNL's values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Qualifications

• BS degree in science or engineering with 12+ years of relevant experience (AS with 14 years may apply)
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams.
• Experience working with complex sample environments or scientific laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategy to deploy sample environments across SNS and HFIR.
• Partner with the Division Director and section Group Leaders to establish priorities, allocate resources, and drive excellence.
• Manage section Group Leaders, including hiring, performance evaluation, succession planning, and career development; recruit from a diverse pool of top candidates and approve job offers.
• Mentor staff and support long-term career growth; ensure staff emphasize excellence in user support and maintain active participation in professional service activities.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service; promote equal opportunity and a respectful workplace.

Skills

Leading teams

Management experience

Staff mentoring

Education

BS degree in science or engineering

Job description

We are seeking a Section Head for Sample Environment & Labs in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). NScD operates two neutron user facilities - the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) - on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Sample Environment & Labs section develops and deploys leading sample environment capabilities and laboratory support for the neutron scattering user program. The section consists of seven groups: High Pressure, High Temperature, Automation, Soft Matter, HFIR Low Temperature and Magnets, SNS Low Temperature and Magnets, and User Labs.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a strategy to deploy existing and create novel sample environments across SNS and HFIR, integrating user lab activities and complex sample environments into a world-class user program.
• Partner with the Division Director and section Group Leaders to establish priorities, allocate resources, and drive excellence across all seven groups.
• Manage section Group Leaders, including hiring, performance evaluation, succession planning, and career development; recruit from a diverse pool of top candidates and approve job offers.
• Mentor staff and support long-term career growth; ensure staff emphasize excellence in user support and maintain active participation in professional service activities.
• 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:

• A BS degree in a science or engineering-related field with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience. Candidates with a relevant AS degree may be considered if they have at least 14 years of relevant experience, including demonstrated management and/or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience working with complex sample environments or scientific laboratories in at least one area represented by the section's groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in neutron scattering studies, development of sample environments for neutron scattering, and/or management of a suite of sample environments deployed across a large number of scattering instruments.

Benefits at ORNL:

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

• 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
• Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance is available.

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. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.