Job Description

Overview

PNNL is recruiting for a director to lead the Nuclear Sciences Division (NSsD) within the Energy and Environment Directorate (EED). Annually, the NSsD conducts about $55 million of R&D for Department of Energy’s Offices of Environmental Management, Office of Nuclear Energy, Office of Science, and other government agencies. The NSsD is a growing organization of about 300 staff members based primarily at PNNL’s Richland, Washington campus where this position is located. The staff is organized into four capability-based groups, each under the leadership of a group manager who reports to this position of the Division Director. These groups include Nuclear Chemistry and Engineering, Reactor Materials, Experimental and Computational Engineering, and Radiological Materials.

NSsD provides solutions to some of the world’s most complex environmental and radiological challenges. We are focused on nuclear materials behavior, chemistry, and processing to address our sponsor’s missions advancing nuclear energy, resolving legacy waste, and assuring our national security. For example, NSsD scientists and engineers are developing advanced waste forms to immobilize nuclear waste, developing novel materials to capture fugitive emissions from industrial and nuclear facilities, and developing new materials for the extreme environments in nuclear power reactors.

Through fundamental radiochemical science, strong academic and industrial collaborations, and leveraging PNNL’s multipurpose Hazard Category II nuclear facility (Radiochemical Processing Laboratory), we are fostering a renewed national focus on radiochemistry and irradiated materials research in several areas including nuclear nonproliferation, advanced nuclear energy, and the beneficial use of isotopes for medicine and industry. Our technical staff expertise in this area includes radiochemical processing engineering, irradiated materials characterization, dosimetry, radiation effects, and radiochemical separations and conversions. The staff are supported in this research by a comprehensive set of analytical instrumentation for process modeling, online monitoring, colloidal dispersion science, and surface science, as well as remote hot cells and radiological glove boxes that, among other wide-ranging research activities, support spent fuel receipt and post-irradiation examination. The Division also stewards PNNL’s radiological quite suite with several state-of-the art atomic resolution electron microscopes for characterization of nuclear materials and nanoscale testing.

Responsibilities

This position reports to the EED Associate Laboratory Director. The division director is responsible for leading, developing, and maintaining institutional capabilities including staff, facilities, and equipment in alignment with directorate and lab-wide strategies in order to meet current and future DOE and other sponsor mission needs. These responsibilities include:

Leading the development and execution of the Division’s vision and strategy in partnership with EED leadership team and other PNNL stakeholders.
Developing world-class research capabilities (people, equipment and facilities) that are externally recognized for scientific and engineering excellence that support the DOE mission and deliver national impact.
Modeling, creating and reinforcing a culture of excellence, including safety, security, and operational discipline.
Promoting diversity and inclusion enabling all staff to have a voice and contribute to the success of NSsD.
Stewarding and communicating NSsD’s accomplishments with internal and external partners to advance PNNL and DOE’s reputation.
Implementing practices to recruit, develop, assess performance, and retain talented people to support current and future mission needs.
Ensuring robust succession planning for key technical capabilities needed for current and future business growth.
Managing budgets and assets to ensure facilities, equipment, and operating procedures are adequate and deliver on mission priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

BS/BA and 15 years work experience -OR-
MS/MA or higher and 13 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Recognized R&D experience in the nuclear science area and knowledge of the scientific and applied trends and drivers.
Well-developed strategic planning, organizational and capability development, and business development skills and demonstrated record of meeting financial and operational expectations.
Knowledge and experience working with relevant DOE and other NSsD mission sponsors.
Experience conducting and leading research in a nuclear facility.
Record of working with and collaborating with U.S. industry and universities.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

The position requires approximately 20% domestic and international travel.

Additional Information

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

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 candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and 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 until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can 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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 [email protected] .

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.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. 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.

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, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Minimum Salary

USD $204,400.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $327,000.00/Yr.

This job was posted on Mon Mar 11 2024 and expired on Fri Apr 05 2024.

$204K /yr Average

Tasks

Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.

Appoint department heads or managers and assign or delegate responsibilities to them.

Analyze operations to evaluate performance of a company or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.

Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity.

Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.

Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.

Implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental problems.

Direct human resources activities, including the approval of human resource plans or activities, the selection of directors or other high-level staff, or establishment or organization of major departments.

Establish departmental responsibilities and coordinate functions among departments and sites.

Preside over or serve on boards of directors, management committees, or other governing boards.

Negotiate or approve contracts or agreements with suppliers, distributors, federal or state agencies, or other organizational entities.

Coordinate the development or implementation of budgetary control systems, recordkeeping systems, or other administrative control processes.

Review reports submitted by staff members to recommend approval or to suggest changes.

Deliver speeches, write articles, or present information at meetings or conventions to promote services, exchange ideas, or accomplish objectives.

Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.

Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.

Review and analyze legislation, laws, or public policy and recommend changes to promote or support interests of the general population or special groups.

Administer programs for selection of sites, construction of buildings, or provision of equipment or supplies.

Direct or conduct studies or research on issues affecting areas of responsibility.

Direct or coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.

Make presentations to legislative or other government committees regarding policies, programs, or budgets.

Refer major policy matters to elected representatives for final decisions.

Direct or coordinate activities of businesses involved with buying or selling investment products or financial services.

Conduct or direct investigations or hearings to resolve complaints or violations of laws or testify at such hearings.

Direct non-merchandising departments, such as advertising, purchasing, credit, or accounting.

Prepare bylaws approved by elected officials and ensure that bylaws are enforced.

Serve as liaisons between organizations, shareholders, and outside organizations.

Attend and participate in meetings of municipal councils or council committees.

Represent organizations or promote their objectives at official functions or delegate representatives to do so.

Organize or approve promotional campaigns.

Nominate citizens to boards or commissions.

Skills

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Management of Financial Resources - Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

Management of Material Resources - Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Knowledge

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.