Group Leader- Chemical Dynamics Group

Requisition Id16508

Overview:

We are seeking an R&D Group Leader for the Chemical Dynamics Group in the Chemical Transformations Sections, Chemical Sciences Division (CSD). The Chemical Sciences Division performs discovery and use-inspired research to understand, predict, and control the physical processes and chemical transformations, relevant to energy technologies, over a broad range of length and time scales.

The foundation of the division is a strong Basic Energy Sciences (BES) portfolio focused on interfacial science that pushes the frontiers of catalysis, geosciences, separations, spatially and temporally resolved chemical imaging, energy storage, and polymer science. Neutron scattering studies are used to provide new insights into the structure and dynamics of materials and interfaces.

Theory is closely integrated with chemical synthesis and characterization to gain new insights into molecular processes with the ultimate goal of predictive insights. Applied research and technology naturally grow out of our fundamental studies. CSD comprises of three sections that solve problems in the areas of catalysis, separations, polymer chemistry and nuclear analytical chemistry.

As a Senior R&D Staff Member and Group Leader in CSD, your work will combine science with leadership. As a Group Leader, you will be instrumental in shaping and implementing division strategies across your group to deliver world-leading science along with a robust and impactful collaborative user program. This will include leading and conducting groundbreaking, scientific research in your own area of expertise as part of the CSD theme science program as well as programs with stronger focus on physical chemistry and chemical physics aiming to understand interactions of matter with light or other external stimuli in support of ORNL core capabilities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead group of internationally known scientists in novel spectroscopy methods.
• Be responsible for initiating, planning and managing group activities related to the execution of the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate science themes.
• Develop and enhance the group's capabilities and external reputation
• Build strong collaborations within the Chemical Transformations Sections, Chemical Sciences Division and across the laboratory.
• Recruit and hire necessary staff, technical professionals and post-docs as fit for the group.
• Mentor and develop staff, drive staff promotions and external recognition.
• Coach and mentor staff regarding Battelle's "Safe Conduct of Research" principles and oversee laboratory safety in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
• Communicate funding/proposal opportunities to staff and support proposal development.

• Lead by example, using the principles in ORNL's "Research Code of Conduct".

• Ensure that staff manage their research projects effectively to deliver results on scope, schedule, and budget.

• Effectively communicate the importance of protecting proprietary or sensitive information and complying with ORNL cybersecurity policies and guidelines.
• Recognize and support the contributions and responsibilities of Group Leaders and Laboratory Space Managers to lab safety.

• 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 PhD degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in a professional research environment
• Demonstrated experience in leading scientific teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record in developing chemical physical approaches to understand matter at the atomic scale.
• 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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes 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) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruit@ornl.gov.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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, and 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.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

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.