Associate Laboratory Director – Materials, Chemical and Computational Sciences

National Laboratory of the Rockies•Golden, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for energy systems research. NLR leads fundamental and applied research on energy technologies, systems integration, and infrastructure, with a focus on system performance, reliability, and integration of multiple energy sources and technologies. By fostering strategic partnerships, NLR accelerates energy innovation to market toward resilient systems that lower costs, bolster national security, and ensure abundant energy. NLR is seeking a new Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) to lead our Materials, Chemical and Computational Sciences (MCCS) directorate. The ALD is responsible for providing inspirational leadership and direction to the directorate, shaping its strategic vision and driving excellence in science and technology. The MCCS directorate comprises 400 staff that executes over $165 million in annual research and development organized around three R&D centers – Computational Science, Materials Science, and Chemistry and Nanoscience as well as a Research Operations center. The directorate is comprised of researchers, technicians and operational professionals focused on fundamental and applied experimental and computational research in energy innovation and critical minerals. This portfolio spans high-performance computing, simulation, and modeling; photovoltaics and solar energy conversion; membranes and separations; hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cells; fundamental materials science and chemistry of functional materials; nanoscience; materials discovery, synthesis, and development; advanced characterization, spectroscopy, microscopy, and imaging; energy storage; and reliability/durability. In addition to the scientific leadership in the areas detailed above, the ALD is also responsible for aligning facility and infrastructure operations with the laboratory’s vision and strategy and for ensuring that research operations are conducted safely. The MCCS ALD oversees stewardship and spearheads innovation across four, soon-to-be five DOE-owned facilities, ensuring equipment and facilities are research ready and compliant with regulations and DOE requirements. Latest developments include the Energy Materials and Processing at Scale (EMAPS) facility which will expedite the translation of lab-scale innovations to market-relevant prototypes and industry adoption for advances in critical minerals and functional energy materials. EMAPS will integrate artificial intelligence, automation, and data science into a compute-first approach.

Requirements

15 years of relevant work experience including previous experience as a senior research leader at a large R&D organization.
A successful track record of developing and sustaining deep relationships with significant stakeholders, up to and including Board level.
An established track record working with, or at least understanding of, the Department of Energy or a similarly funded entity in a senior research management role.
Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and people-management skills, with the ability to build trust, engage staff, and foster effective relationships across the organization.
Proven strategic planning and execution skills, including the ability to establish and communicate goals, align resources, and develop impactful strategies within a mission-driven organization.
Demonstrated ability to develop and negotiate complex partnerships and agreements that advance NLR’s mission while meeting DOE and laboratory requirements.
Recognized scientific and/or innovative contributions relevant to MCCS research, supported by strong oral and written communication skills.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance and SCI access.
Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances.
This position requires an onsite hybrid work arrangement, and remote applicants will not be considered.
Ability to travel is required for this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience in multiple functions within a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), major research or academic institution with a national/international reputation in their scientific field.
Documented record of R&D management of increasingly diverse science and technology programs that refresh institutional capabilities.

Responsibilities

Advance the institutional priorities and mission of the laboratory in collaboration with other NLR Leadership Team members and senior staff.
Collaborate with the Laboratory Director, Deputy Laboratory Director for Science & Technology, and other senior leaders to advance NLR’s strategic research agenda and long-term mission.
Prioritize R&D investments, facilities, infrastructure, and research operations to optimize resources, ensure safety and to maximize scientific an applied energy institutional impact.
Provide strategic and inspirational leadership for the MCCS directorate, aligning its scientific portfolio, capabilities, and resources with DOE, CMEI, and NLR priorities.
Lead scientific and technical strategy, identifying opportunities to strengthen research quality, institutional capabilities, innovation, impact, and relevance.
Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with DOE, government sponsors, industry, academia, research institutions, and other stakeholders, representing NLR at senior levels.
Develop scientific and technical talent, foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and advance organizational effectiveness, professional development, and excellence.
Align facility and infrastructure operations with the laboratory’s vision and strategy.
Ensure that research operations are conducted safely.
Oversee stewardship and spearhead innovation across four, soon-to-be five DOE-owned facilities, ensuring equipment and facilities are research ready and compliant with regulations and DOE requirements.

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
short- and long-term disability insurance
pension benefits
403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
personal time off (PTO) and sick leave
paid holidays
tuition reimbursement
performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component
relocation expense reimbursement