Associate Laboratory Director (ALD), Energy and Environment Directorate

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

48d

About The Position

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, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational 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. Theâ¯Energy and Environment Directorateâ¯deliversâ¯science and technology solutions for the nation's biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation's power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for Energy and Environment is responsible for providing inspirational leadership and direction to PNNL's Energy and Environment Directorate (EED), shaping its strategic vision, and driving excellence in science and technology. EED's research spans advanced energy systems, nuclear energy innovation, grid modernization, subsurface and environmental engineering, and technologies that enhance the reliable production, delivery, and use of energy. The ALD will set the vision and direction for EED and integrate its capabilities with PNNL's broader mission goals. They will report directly to the Laboratory Director and serve as a key member of the Laboratory Leadership Team (LLT). This position fosters collaboration and effective communication across PNNL and with other national laboratories, academia and industry partners to ensure the attainment of scientific and technical objectives. This position is accountable for obtaining programmatic funding, achieving financial targets, and overseeing the operational success of the directorate in partnership with technical leaders and ALDs from across the Laboratory. The ALD is responsible for building relationships with key stakeholders across the U.S. Department of Energy, other federal sponsors, state funding agencies, business and industry partners, research groups, and elected officials.

Requirements

Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to influence, make decisions, and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to develop and sustain sponsor, government, academic, and industry partnerships that advance objectives.
Ability to lead transformative organizational change and inspire teams around a shared strategic vision.
Ability to maintain strong awareness of sponsor priorities and market direction with an outward-facing engagement mindset.
Ability to provide effective leadership and management in a complex science and technology environment.
Ability to work productively with diverse stakeholders across PNNL and with partners in government, academia, and industry.
Ability to set strategic direction, attract research and development funding, and build collaborations with federal agencies, universities, and industry partners.
Knowledge of national research trends and the evolving science and technology landscape, with the flexibility to align PNNL's capabilities accordingly.
Knowledge of and commitment to best practices in human performance, safety, security, quality, environment, and health.
Bachelor's degree in science or engineering with 20+ years progressively related experience in research and research management. -OR-
Advanced degree in science or engineering with 18+ years progressively related experience in research and research management.
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).

Nice To Haves

PH.D. in science or engineering preferred.
10 years of line management and/or significant technical program management experience.
Proven track record in developing, leading, and managing energy and environment programs for a diverse sponsor base (preferably with key DOE applied energy offices), particularly in a DOE National Laboratory or other complex setting.
Proven experience leading strategically and developing creative, innovative solutions in a complex, multidisciplinary technical organization with significant fiscal and programmatic responsibilities.
Awareness of CAT-II nuclear facility and other high-hazard operations requirements.
Experience in technology commercialization.

Responsibilities

Vision and Strategic Direction: Define and implement strategic objectives that align with the Laboratory's mission and vision, with a focus on growing funding, expanding impactful programs, and positioning the Directorate for long-term national relevance. Partner with the Laboratory Director, the Laboratory Leadership Team, and other stakeholders to shape PNNL's institutional science and technology (S&T) strategy.
Program and Business Development: Anticipate emerging programmatic needs, market trends, and identify new opportunities to develop and evolve a sustainable, forward-looking business strategy that advances DOE missions and national priorities.
People and Culture: Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive workforce by nurturing scientific, technical, and managerial talent; foster a culture of excellence; and grow the next-generation of leaders. Promote collaboration across PNNL, other DOE laboratories, and Battelle to support knowledge sharing and joint initiatives.
Operational Stewardship: Ensure the Directorate's operations are conducted safely, securely, and responsibly, in alignment with regulatory requirements, environmental stewardship, and internal performance standards.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships: Cultivate strategic, influential relationships with external stakeholders, including the DOE, federal and state funding agencies, industry partners, research groups, and government officials at all levels-to strengthen collaboration and drive collective impact.

Benefits

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. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

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