Assistant Director for Program Operations, Energy Sciences
About The Position
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) invites applications for the position of Assistant Director for Program Operations, Energy Sciences. This senior leadership role strengthens the coordination and execution of scientific operations across the Department. The Assistant Director for Program Operations brings a scientific background and experience working in research organizations, with familiarity in developing and managing research programs. This role requires understanding the scientific enterprise and the operational processes that support it. Position Overview: Reporting to the Director of Energy Sciences and Technology, you will lead key operational functions supporting the execution of scientific research programs across multiple divisions. This includes providing strategic planning support and managing reporting for internal and external reviews (including DOE), while ensuring consistent practices across Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, and Nanoscience. In this role, you partner with division leadership to support workforce management processes for a large scientific and professional staff, including performance evaluations, promotions, hiring, and workforce planning. You also coordinate major institutional planning and reporting activities (e.g., ALP, PEMP, BES reviews), oversee LDRD program processes, and facilitate cross-divisional initiatives and emerging strategic priorities. You support department-wide environmental, safety, and health (ESH) performance in collaboration with the ESH Manager and contribute to maintaining a strong safety culture.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a relevant field.
- A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a scientific, technical, or research environment, including at least 4 years of demonstrated leadership or management experience.
- Experience supporting or leading operations within a complex, research-driven organization, including personnel processes such as performance management, workforce planning, promotions, and staff development.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-organizational initiatives and working effectively across teams in a matrixed environment.
- Experience preparing for and supporting external reviews, including development and execution of corrective action plans.
- Working knowledge of Environment, Safety & Health (ESH) principles in a research or technical setting.
- Experience with planning, performance metrics, reporting, and program or portfolio reviews.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with scientific leadership, operational staff, and senior stakeholders.
Nice To Haves
- An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in science, engineering, or related field.
- Experience working in a DOE National Laboratory, federally funded research environment, or similarly complex scientific institution.
- Familiarity with performance management processes, including strategic planning, and scientific program reviews.
- Experience supporting scientific reporting, research program management, or programmatic operations.
- Experience leading organizational change, process improvement, or operational transformation initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the Director’s primary partner in advancing and maintaining clear Department-wide scientific operational expectations and practices.
- Oversee Department personnel processes, including performance evaluation management, promotions, and workforce planning.
- Partner with Division Directors to address cross-cutting operational and personnel matters.
- Provide Department-wide oversight of Environment, Safety & Health (ESH) performance in collaboration with the Energy Sciences ESH Manager.
- Represent the Director in internal Laboratory operational forums and meetings assigned.
- Coordinate Department inputs for major Laboratory and DOE processes, including strategic planning, performance evaluation (PEMP), and program reviews.
- Ensure consistent, accurate, and timely scientific and operational reporting across Divisions.
- Strengthen Department readiness for DOE and external reviews by identifying gaps and driving corrective actions.
- Facilitate coordination between scientific leadership and Laboratory support organizations to ensure successful execution of Department initiatives.
- Promote effective collaboration and information sharing across the three Energy Sciences Divisions.
- Ensure consistent implementation of Laboratory policies and Department-wide practices across Divisions.
- Identify and implement opportunities to streamline Department processes for improved clarity, efficiency, and compliance.
- Monitor the effectiveness of cross-Division coordination and recommend process improvements as needed.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and shared responsibility across the Energy Sciences Department.
- Support the Department’s scientific operations and readiness within a highly visible federal research environment
- Foster a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility across Energy Sciences.
Benefits
- Comprehensive employee benefits program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
