Deputy Laboratory Director - Science and Technology

NREL•Golden, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for energy systems. With a focus on security and reliability, NLR leads energy systems innovation and integration – enhancing existing technologies and developing cutting-edge solutions that unlock economic opportunity and fuel America’s global competitiveness. NLR bridges foundational research with practical applications to integrate various energy sources, storage, buildings, transportation, and emerging technologies. By fostering strategic partnerships, NLR accelerates energy innovation to market and delivers resilient systems that lower costs, bolster national security, and ensure abundant energy. The Deputy Laboratory Director of Science and Technology (DDST) serves as a key executive leader, Alliance for Sustainable Energy board member, and NLR’s Chief Research Officer. Working in close partnership with the Laboratory Director, Deputy Director of Operations and senior leadership throughout the laboratory, the DDST shapes the laboratory’s scientific strategy, ensures excellence across research programs, and fosters partnerships that expand NLR’s impact on the national and international stage. Rapid advances in artificial Intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing, automation is changing how we perform research and the speed to discovery and deployment. NLR's next DDS&T will lead the laboratory through this transformation. The DDS&T will develop and implement an integrated laboratory's scientific and applied energy strategy to ensure that NLR scientific and engineering capabilities are distinctive, accelerate speed to innovation and deliver national impact. The next DDS&T will need strong management and technical experience to advance the laboratory's broad technical scope that includes, chemistry, materials discovery and processing, technology development and demonstration in the context of energy systems and energy security.

Requirements

PhD and 15 or more years of relevant work experience, including previous experience as a senior research leader at a large R&D organization.
A successful track record of developing and sustaining deep relationships with significant stakeholders, up to and including Board level.
An established record working with the Department of Energy or a similarly funded entity in a senior research management role.
Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Ability to influence internal and external to NLR.
Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people; ability to connect with staff both on an individual level and in large groups.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex partnership agreements that provide impact to NLR and partners while being compliant with all DOE and laboratory requirements.
Strong interpersonal skills in developing and maintaining effective relationships.
Comprehensive oral and written communications skills are essential.
Critical skill capabilities in decision-making and innovative problem-solving required, as well as comprehensive leadership skills.
Considerable skill in interpreting and articulating laboratory policies and procedures.
Demonstrated ability in strategic planning; the ability to establish and communicate goals and objectives; and to develop impactful partnerships and strategies within the context of a mission-oriented organization.
This position requires an onsite hybrid work arrangement and remote applicants will not be considered.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE (Q) security clearance and SCI access. SCI access may require a polygraph examination.
To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. See DOE O 472.2A for additional information.
Ability to travel is required for this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience in multiple functions within a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), major research or academic institution with a national/international reputation in their scientific field.
Excellent relationship management skills to promote trust and partnership internally and externally to the laboratory and be a champion in nurturing an organizational culture that reflects NLR’s values.
Documented record of R&D management of increasingly diverse science and technology programs that refresh institutional capabilities.

Responsibilities

Serves as the senior scientific leader for the laboratory and will be responsible for developing NLR's scientific and technical strategic planning efforts.
Continuously assesses and identifies opportunities to strengthen the laboratory’s current and future core capabilities, the quality of the research conducted and its impact, and the relevance of its research programs.
Develops programs and initiatives that drive process improvement, cost effectiveness and optimization of resources to support NLR’s research mission.
Assist with the creation and overall accomplishment of the laboratory’s strategic agenda in collaboration with the Laboratory Director and Associate Laboratory Directors including but not limited to the DOE Performance Evaluation and Measurement Plan (PEMP).
Maintain a working knowledge of the research business plans and strategy, organizations’ structure and resources.
Manage key relationships within leading research institutions, the S&T committee of the Alliance Board of Directors, Chief Research Officer’s Council and other committees with the Department of Energy at the deputy assistant secretary level while leading and supporting NLR's major goals and initiatives.
Manage and lead discretionary R&D investments such as the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program as well as champion the increased impact of the Laboratory Directed R&D portfolio.
Work with senior leadership to promote development of the Lab's scientific and technical talent pipelines, including the postdoctoral director’s fellowship program.
Represent the laboratory to DOE and other sponsors, various scientific and engineering institutions, research partners, academic partners as well as dignitaries from around the world.

Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement.
NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component.
Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

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