Chief Science and Technology Strategist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a visionary and mission-driven Chief Science and Technology Strategist (CSTS) to serve as a senior leader within a major research directorate with an annual portfolio of approximately $600M. Reporting directly to the Associate Laboratory Director (ALD), the CSTS will play a critical role in shaping the directorate’s scientific and technological direction, ensuring alignment with national priorities, and strengthening ORNL’s leadership in emerging and mission-relevant domains. The CSTS will serve as a principal advisor to the ALD on current and future science and technology trends, with particular emphasis on quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and information dominance. The role requires a nationally recognized leader with deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and a demonstrated ability to build and sustain high-impact programs in complex, classified, and mission-driven environments. The CSTS will also act as a senior external ambassador, engaging with sponsors across the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and other national security stakeholders. The purpose of the CSTS role is to define and drive a forward-looking science and technology strategy that positions the directorate—and ORNL more broadly—for sustained leadership in national security innovation. This includes leading the development and implementation of an integrated R&D strategy that aligns future technological trends with mission needs and leverages the full breadth of capabilities within the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) and across ORNL. The CSTS will be responsible for shaping and expanding strategic programs and partnerships with the Department of Defense and the U.S. Intelligence Community, particularly in areas such as quantum technologies, quantum-enabled information dominance, classified high-performance computing, and advanced AI capabilities. The role will identify emerging opportunities, guide investment priorities, and translate cutting-edge science into mission-relevant solutions. Additionally, the CSTS will foster cross-organizational collaboration, drive innovation across the directorate’s portfolio, and ensure that ORNL remains at the forefront of addressing evolving national security challenges through science and technology leadership. Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) leads the development and application of advanced science and technology to address some of the nation’s most pressing national security challenges. NSSD stewards ORNL’s capabilities across defense nuclear nonproliferation, cyber-physical security, geospatial intelligence, defense advanced manufacturing, and national security high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. With annual research expenditures of approximately $600 million and more than 2,200 staff across ORNL contributing fully or partially to its mission, NSSD represents a significant and growing component of ORNL’s portfolio. NSSD leverages the Laboratory’s world-class facilities and multidisciplinary expertise, working closely with leading researchers in nuclear and chemical engineering, applied materials, advanced manufacturing, biosecurity, transportation, fission and fusion, and computing. Through these integrated capabilities, the directorate confronts complex and evolving threats that impact public safety, national defense, energy infrastructure, and economic stability. In partnership with sponsors across the Department of Energy, Department of War and the Intelligence Community, NSSD delivers innovative, mission-driven solutions designed to outpace adversaries. The Chief Science and Technology Strategist will join this dynamic environment, helping to shape the future of science and technology in support of national security.

Requirements

Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a relevant scientific, engineering, or technical discipline (e.g., physics, computer science, engineering, or related field).
Deep technical expertise in one or more mission-relevant domains such as quantum science, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, or related areas.
Minimum of ~15 years of progressive experience in science and technology leadership, including significant experience in national security, defense, or intelligence environments.
Demonstrated experience leading large, complex R&D portfolios (typically $100M+ annually), with accountability for strategy, execution, and growth.
Proven track record of developing and scaling major programs with the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or other federal sponsors.
Demonstrated ability to define and execute long-term, enterprise-level S&T strategy, including aligning institutional capabilities with national priorities and emerging technology trends.
Experience influencing organizational direction at the directorate, laboratory, or enterprise level, not just within a single program or division.
Strong record of anticipating and operationalizing emerging and disruptive technologies into mission-relevant capabilities.
Established reputation as a nationally recognized leader in a relevant technical domain, evidenced by program leadership, advisory roles, publications, or participation in national boards and panels.
Demonstrated success in building and sustaining senior-level relationships with DoD, Intelligence Community, and other key sponsors.
Proven ability to represent an organization at national forums, shaping policy, strategy, or technical direction.
Demonstrated success in growing and managing high-impact R&D programs, including securing significant funding and delivering mission-relevant outcomes.
Experience translating advanced scientific capabilities into operational or mission-deployed solutions.
Strong understanding of classified program environments, including requirements, constraints, and opportunities.
Experience leading through complexity, including matrixed organizations and cross-directorate integration.
Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, including safety, security, and compliance in research environments.
Experience shaping or overseeing strategic investment mechanisms (e.g., LDRD or equivalent).
Proven ability to lead, influence, and inspire senior technical leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
Strong commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusion.
Demonstrated leadership in mentoring, developing, and retaining high-performing talent.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated track record of R&D leadership in national and/or international engagements that seek to sustain and strengthen the national security community.
Experience working for or collaborating with Department of Energy national laboratories (or similar R&D organizations).

Responsibilities

Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, forward-looking vision and strategy for classified defense and intelligence R&D aligned with the ORNL Lab Agenda and national security priorities.
Serve as a senior advisor to the ALD and Directorate leadership on emerging S&T trends, R&D gaps, and strategic investment priorities.
Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging and disruptive technologies (e.g., quantum, AI, advanced computing) to anticipate future mission needs and position ORNL for sustained leadership.
Increase enterprise awareness of future technology landscapes and their implications for national security, shaping long-term institutional direction.
Drive the development, growth, and execution of high-impact, mission-aligned R&D programs across classified domains.
Shape and influence the directorate’s research portfolio to ensure alignment with sponsor priorities across DoD, the Intelligence Community, and other national security stakeholders.
Translate emerging science and ORNL capabilities into mission-relevant solutions that address evolving national security challenges.
Steward the NSSD LDRD strategy and process to ensure investments enable next-generation S&T and mission differentiation.
Serve as a senior external ambassador for ORNL, advancing the laboratory’s reputation and influence across government, industry, academia, and other national laboratories.
Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with senior sponsor leadership, enabling long-term program growth and mission relevance.
Lead and facilitate high-level sponsor engagements, positioning ORNL as a trusted partner in delivering classified and mission-critical capabilities.
Represent ORNL in national-level forums, advisory bodies, and strategic initiatives to shape the broader S&T ecosystem.
Foster integration across ORNL directorates to leverage the full breadth of laboratory capabilities in addressing complex, multidisciplinary challenges.
Ensure alignment of R&D activities with institutional priorities, operational frameworks, and resource strategies.
Uphold and enforce ORNL policies, standards, and procedures, including the safe, secure, and compliant conduct of research in classified environments.
Drive operational excellence across the directorate’s portfolio, ensuring accountability, efficiency, and impact at scale.
Champion a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the directorate and broader laboratory.
Enable high-performing, multidisciplinary teams by fostering collaboration between researchers, leadership, and external partners.
Promote workforce engagement, inclusion, and development consistent with ORNL leadership expectations.
Lead by example in integrity, accountability, and commitment to mission, safety, and community engagement.