Computing Division Director

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an accomplished scientific, technical, and organizational leader to serve as Division Director for the Computing Division and Sector Manager for the Advanced Scientific Computing Research program within the newly formed Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate. This senior leadership role will shape, steward, and grow PNNL’s computing research capability in service to DOE Office of Science missions and broader national priorities. The Division Director will develop and maintain a highly productive technical resource base across computing, applied mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence for science, quantum information sciences, scientific software, high-performance computing, advanced architectures, networking, cybersecurity for scientific computing, and related fields. The role will align division capabilities with Laboratory strategy, directorate priorities, sponsor needs, and project delivery requirements. As Sector Manager for ASCR, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for PNNL’s ASCR portfolio, serving as a senior interface among PNNL researchers, directorate leadership, sector leadership, project management offices, DOE program managers, other national laboratories, universities, industry, and external stakeholders. The role requires both scientific stature and operating discipline: the ability to define a compelling research strategy, build effective teams, manage risk, deliver mission outcomes, and represent PNNL’s computing capabilities with credibility at the national and international levels. The selected leader will reinforce PNNL values, uphold the highest standards of research integrity and operational conduct, and foster a division culture where staff can do high-impact science in a safe, inclusive, and secure environment.

Requirements

BS/BA and 15 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 13 years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

A Ph.D. in computer science, applied mathematics, computational science, data science, engineering, physical sciences, or a closely related field.
A significant record of scientific and technical accomplishment in one or more fields relevant to advanced scientific computing, including high-performance computing, applied mathematics, computer science, scientific AI, scientific data systems, advanced architectures, quantum computing, computational modeling and simulation, scientific software, or related areas.
Recognized scientific or technical stature in areas directly relevant to DOE ASCR.
Experience working with DOE Office of Science programs, national laboratory systems, multi-laboratory collaborations, or large federally sponsored research programs.
Familiarity with ASCR program priorities in computer science, applied mathematics, advanced computing technology, computational partnerships, SciDAC, scientific AI, quantum information science, scientific data, workflows, advanced networking, and emerging computing systems.
Direct line management experience of 50+ staff.
Experience leading organizational change, including creation or realignment of research divisions, capability areas, centers, or cross-directorate programs.
Demonstrated ability to connect computing research to science drivers in chemistry, materials, biology, earth sciences, energy, environmental science, fusion, nuclear physics, high-energy physics, or national security.
Experience managing complex operational environments, including budgets, workforce planning, performance management, risk management, cyber and information stewardship, facilities, and technical infrastructure.
Experience developing diverse leadership pipelines and mentoring senior research staff, group leaders, early-career scientists, and technical managers.
Experience building partnerships with universities, industry, national laboratories, federal agencies, and international scientific organizations.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical and strategic topics to senior executives, sponsors, researchers, operations staff, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Set and execute a mission‑aligned strategy advancing PNNL’s computational, mathematical, data‑intensive, and AI‑enabled science.
Define a clear division vision, goals, priorities, and performance expectations aligned with directorate and Laboratory strategies.
Integrate computing with domain sciences across BER, BES, FES, IRP, HENP, and other sponsor portfolios.
Represent division capabilities nationally and internationally; elevate PNNL’s reputation in HPC, applied math, CS, scientific AI/ML, advanced architectures, quantum information science, scientific software, workflows, and data systems.
Champion Laboratory‑level capability investments and ensure impactful scientific outcomes (publications, software, data products, awards, partnerships).
Lead a unified ASCR strategy across PNNL, including sponsor engagement, program development, proposal strategy, and long‑term capability planning.
Build strong relationships with ASCR leadership and computing communities across DOE, labs, academia, industry, and federal agencies.
Align PNNL capabilities with ASCR priorities in computer science, applied mathematics, advanced computing technology, scientific AI/ML, quantum information science, and scientific software.
Coordinate cross‑directorate proposals and programs linking computing with physical, environmental, biological, materials, and energy sciences.
Plan and steward workforce, equipment, and strategic investments.
Allocate resources to meet strategic priorities and sponsor commitments.
Ensure capabilities are effectively deployed for projects, proposals, and emerging mission opportunities.
Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, high‑performing workforce.
Strengthen expertise in emerging areas (AI for science, foundation models, advanced workflows, heterogeneous and quantum computing, algorithms, secure and autonomous systems).
Develop technical leaders and future division leadership.
Set expectations for hiring, development, assessment, promotion, and accountability.
Maintain an inclusive, safe, collaborative environment rooted in research integrity and technical excellence.
Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, and disciplined business operations.
Reinforce a culture of safety, security, compliance, and quality.
Set and manage operational metrics and budgets; identify and mitigate division‑level risks.
Ensure alignment with Laboratory requirements, procedures, and operational standards.
Build productive relationships across PNNL, DOE, PNSO, national labs, academia, industry, and stakeholders.
Collaborate with division directors, project management leaders, chief scientists, and capability stewards to align capabilities with mission needs.
Influence directorate and Laboratory strategy and support business development to expand ASCR‑related impact and program growth.