Deputy Laboratory Director - Science and Technology

National Renewable Energy Laboratory • Golden, CO

101d • $350,300 - $630,500

About The Position

NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for energy systems. With a focus on security and reliability, NREL leads energy systems innovation and integration – enhancing existing technologies and developing cutting-edge solutions that unlock economic opportunity and fuel America’s global competitiveness. NREL bridges foundational research with practical applications to integrate various energy sources, storage, buildings, transportation, and emerging technologies. By fostering strategic partnerships, NREL 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 NREL’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 NREL’s impact on the national and international stage.

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.
• Ability to influence internal and external to NREL.
• 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 NREL 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.

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 NREL’s values.
• Documented record of R&D management of increasingly diverse science and technology programs that refresh institutional capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Leads efforts to establish a shared vision and strategy for innovation for the laboratory providing inspiration to all levels of staff.
• Serves as the senior scientific leader for the laboratory and will be responsible for developing NREL’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 NREL’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.
• 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 NREL’s major goals and initiatives.
• Ensures the scientific goals of the laboratory are achieved and that the assigned laboratory goals and objectives measured through the DOE Performance Evaluation and Measurement Plan (PEMP) are realized.
• Work with senior leadership to promote development of the Lab's scientific and technical talent pipelines, including the postdoctoral director’s fellowship program.
• 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.
• Represent NREL to DOE and other sponsors, various scientific and engineering institutions, research partners, academic partners as well as dignitaries from around the world.
• May represent NREL when the Laboratory Director is unavailable and should have the potential to stand in as necessary.

Benefits

• 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
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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