Department Manager - Tritium and Fusion Materials
About The Position
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a Department Manager to lead its Tritium and Fusion Materials Department within the Nuclear Science and Technology Directorate. This leadership role offers the opportunity to guide a nationally recognized team advancing tritium science, fusion materials research, and technologies critical to the future of clean energy and national security. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and technical professionals conducting research for the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, industry partners, universities, and international collaborators. The Department Manager will oversee research strategy, talent development, facility operations, sponsor engagement, and program growth while strengthening INL's leadership in fusion energy and tritium technologies. A background in fusion is preferred, but not required. We are seeking a proven research leader with expertise in materials science, nuclear technologies, or related disciplines who is excited to help shape the future of tritium and fusion research.
Requirements
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
- At least five years of hands-on research and development experience in a laboratory environment, preferably involving nuclear materials or related technologies.
- At least two years of leadership experience demonstrating success in: Recruiting, mentoring, and developing technical staff.
- Leading complex research projects or programs.
- Strategic planning and organizational management.
- Proposal development, sponsor engagement, and program growth.
- Demonstrated interest in tritium science, fusion energy, or related advanced energy technologies.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience with tritium systems, hydrogen isotope technologies, or fusion energy research.
- Experience leading materials research and development programs.
- Demonstrated success developing externally funded research portfolios and strategic partnerships.
- Experience working with DOE laboratories, federally funded research organizations, or large-scale scientific facilities.
- Record of scientific and technical achievement through publications, presentations, patents, or other professional recognition.
Responsibilities
- Lead the department's research portfolio in tritium science, tritium management technologies, and materials for fusion energy applications.
- Develop and execute strategic plans that align departmental capabilities with emerging national priorities and sponsor needs.
- Build and sustain partnerships with DOE offices, national laboratories, universities, industry, and international organizations to expand research opportunities and technical impact.
- Identify and pursue new technical directions and funding opportunities that strengthen INL's leadership in fusion and tritium-related research.
- Provide oversight of research activities conducted within the Safety and Tritium Applied Research (STAR) facility.
- Serve as the primary departmental interface for STAR facility operations and coordinate activities with research and operational organizations across INL, including the Idaho Research Center (IRC), Energy Innovation Laboratory (EIL), and ATR Complex.
- Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant execution of research programs and experimental activities.
- Recruit, retain, mentor, and develop a high-performing workforce of scientists, engineers, postdoctoral researchers, students, and technical staff.
- Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Support staff professional growth through technical mentoring, publication review, leadership development, and national engagement opportunities.
- Conduct performance evaluations, salary reviews, promotion recommendations, succession planning, and workforce development activities.
- Manage departmental resources, workforce planning, and budget execution to support successful program delivery.
- Coordinate activities across directorates, programs, and user facilities to improve integration, efficiency, and mission impact.
- Evaluate organizational processes and implement improvements that enhance research execution and operational effectiveness.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
- Paid time off (personal leave)
- Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
- Comprehensive Relocation Package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
