Chief Data Scientist - GEOINT Domain

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

30d•Onsite

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. The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex,â¯real-worldâ¯threats to our nation and the world. The AI and Data Analytics Division, part of NSD, combines profound domain expertise and creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering to operations, providing the tools to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths are integrated across the data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to analysis and decision support. PNNL is seeking a Chief Data Scientist with deep expertise in data science and mission-specific knowledge in the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) domain. The selected candidate will lead large, multi-year research and development programs within the AI and Data Analytics Division, which includes over 400 staff specializing in data science, applied mathematics, advanced analytic architectures, software engineering, and human-centered computing. As a nationally recognized leader in data science, the Chief Data Scientist will set strategic vision, direct complex research programs, and operationalize data-driven solutions to address critical national security challenges. This individual will guide technical direction, mentor interdisciplinary teams, and collaborate closely with software engineers to transition cutting-edge research into field-ready capabilities. In addition to leading research efforts, the Chief Data Scientist will serve as a key interface with sponsors and stakeholders, leveraging domain expertise to align PNNL's research agenda with evolving mission requirements. The chosen candidate will have the unique opportunity to drive real-world impact at mission tempo while supporting PNNL's mission to tackle grand challenges through science, technology, and innovation. The successful candidate will work with talented multi-disciplinary teams on a variety of the nation's most complex science and engineering problems, delivering advanced AI solutions into critical sponsor missions. At PNNL, we foster a collaborative, adventurous environment focused on lifelong learning and creative problem-solving, while striving for leadership in interdisciplinary, data-driven innovation. This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.

Requirements

BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
PhD with 5+ year of relevant experience
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

Advanced degree in computing, engineering, geospatial sciences, or related discipline.
Nationally recognized expertise in GEOINT, geospatial analytics, or operational AI.
Advanced ML Model Development: Experience designing, implementing, and training state-of-the-art object detection and image classification models (including foundation models) for overhead imagery, with expertise in synthetic data generation, data augmentation, knowledge distillation, and continuous learning approaches. Expertise in multi-modal data fusion is highly desired.
End-to-End Workflow Design: Proven ability to develop and deploy complete machine learning pipelines that rapidly process and exploit large-scale overhead imagery datasets, including experience with the full image processing chain and handling large structured/unstructured datasets.
Model Testing & Validation: Experience with comprehensive test and evaluation (T&E) and verification and validation (V&V) methodologies for ML models, including defining testing protocols and iteratively refining models based on performance feedback.
Overhead Intelligence Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with overhead collection platforms and their technical characteristics as they relate to imagery analysis and processing workflows.
Strong record of securing external funding, managing research portfolios, and initiating new R&D programs.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with software engineering teams to deliver operational solutions.
Experience working effectively with funding sponsors such as DOE, NNSA, DoD, or DHS, with the ability to influence strategic investments.
Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to represent PNNL at national and international levels in government, industry, and academia.
Active security clearance (or the ability to obtain and maintain one).

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Define and execute a strategic vision for large, multi-year GEOINT data science programs, advancing geospatial analytics and operational AI capabilities.
Team Leadership: Lead and mentor diverse teams of data scientists and software engineers by guiding analytic methodologies, research approaches, and project implementation. This includes developing advance machine learning (ML) models, designing end-to-end workflows, and performing model testing and validation.
Operational Integration: Collaborate with software engineering teams to integrate analytic capabilities into scalable, field-ready systems.
Program Oversight: Serve as principal investigator on highly visible programs, ensuring technical excellence, meeting research milestones, and fostering sponsor relationships.
Development of New Opportunities: Identify and lead proposal efforts to shape future investments in GEOINT analytics and AI research.
Technical Representation: Represent PNNL leadership in GEOINT research via publishing, presenting in high-impact venues, and participating in national technical exchanges.
Collaboration: Establish and foster partnerships across PNNL, other DOE national laboratories, academia, and industry to accelerate innovation and deliver mission-aligned solutions.
Sponsor Engagement: Engage directly with government sponsors, ensuring research outcomes meet operational objectives and requirements.
Mentorship: Mentor and develop future technical leaders, helping to build a world-class GEOINT data science workforce.
Sponsor Engagement: Serve as the primary interface with sponsors and develop a deep understanding of their mission priorities.
Operational Awareness: Gain insight into sponsors' operational environments and technical requirements to enable effective deployment of new capabilities.
Strategy Development: Support the ideation and execution of strategic initiatives by identifying key stakeholders and outlining actionable plans.
Role of PNNL: Effectively communicate and leverage PNNL's role in the larger mission landscape, addressing technical solutions, relevant use cases, and critical challenges.

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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