Critical Minerals and Materials Senior Research Fellow

Savannah River National Laboratory • Aiken, SC

16d

About The Position

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking a Critical Minerals and Materials Senior Research Fellow to lead transformative research, development, and strategic initiatives that advance the nation’s capabilities in critical mineral recovery, processing, and supply chain resilience. This senior-level role will emphasize scientific innovation, federal-industry collaboration, and strategic program development, with a focus on enabling technologies for clean energy, national security, and advanced manufacturing. As part of SRNL’s Environmental and Legacy Management Directorate, the Fellow will serve as a national thought leader, shaping the Department of Energy's (DOE) research agenda in critical minerals and materials, and positioning SRNL as a center of excellence in this rapidly evolving field.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 20+ years of experience in federal R&D, industry, and national laboratory settings, with a focus on critical minerals, environmental remediation, or advanced materials.
• Proven leadership in developing and managing large-scale, multidisciplinary research programs.
• Demonstrated success in securing external funding through DOE competitive calls, broad agency announcements, and federal-industry partnerships.
• For ability to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” security clearance, US Citizenship is Legally Required

Nice To Haves

• National recognition in critical minerals or materials science, evidenced by publications, patents, awards, or leadership roles in technical societies.
• Recognized publication record in peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Experience leading multi-million-dollar DOE-funded programs.
• Industry experience in mining, materials processing, or technology development related to critical minerals and materials.
• Deep understanding of federal policy and strategic priorities related to critical minerals and materials and national security.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
• Experience with technology transfer, commercialization, and TRL advancement

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership : Define and execute a national vision for critical minerals and materials research, aligning SRNL’s capabilities with DOE, industry, and national security priorities.
• Program Development : Lead the development of high-impact R&D programs, securing external funding through competitive proposals, federal partnerships, and strategic collaborations.
• Scientific Innovation : Guide multidisciplinary teams in developing and deploying technologies for critical mineral recovery, processing, and environmental stewardship.
• Technology Transition : Accelerate the maturation and deployment of transformative technologies through partnerships with federal agencies, national labs, academia, and industry.
• Stakeholder Engagement : Serve as a primary point of contact for federal sponsors, industry partners, and policy stakeholders, enhancing SRNL’s visibility and influence.
• Mentorship and Culture Building : Foster a high-performance, inclusive research culture by mentoring early- and mid-career scientists and engineers.
• Thought Leadership : Represent SRNL in national and international forums, shaping policy and public understanding of critical mineral and materials challenges.
• Operational Excellence : Ensure safe, secure, and compliant execution of research activities, including oversight of hazard analyses and work control documentation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees