Director of the Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA)

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

69d•$202,125 - $315,315•Onsite

About The Position

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for the position of Director of the Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA), a multi-partner Department of Energy-Basic Energy Sciences (DOE-BES) energy innovation hub. ESRA is a $12.5M/year R&D center focused on fundamental and use-inspired research to invent next-generation battery materials and chemistries. By laying the scientific groundwork for breakthrough energy storage technologies, ESRA is forging a path toward safe batteries with decadal lifespans made from inexpensive, abundant materials, enabling applications such as long-duration storage. ESRA is a leader in leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous labs to accelerate the pace of research. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for ESRA’s diverse research portfolio, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and grow the center’s scientific impact. This role includes developing and executing a compelling research vision aligned with Argonne’s mission and DOE priorities, strengthening external partnerships, and ensuring excellence in safety, organizational performance, and alignment with Argonne’s Core Values. The ESRA Director will report to the Division Director of the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division and will work within a matrixed organizational structure, co-reporting into the office of the Lab Director.

Requirements

Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field, supplemented by at least 15 years of experience that includes demonstrated accomplishments in scientific leadership.
Internationally recognized research stature in electrochemistry, materials science, or related fields, with an emphasis on energy storage.
Demonstrated success in setting scientific direction, building and sustaining high-performing teams, and fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative research programs.
Distinguished record of research accomplishments and the ability to secure competitive external funding, including experience with DOE-BES programs.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging senior leadership, government sponsors, and scientific peers.
Experience in managing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships in a large matrix environment of internal and external contacts.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a leadership role within a national laboratory, research institute, or academic setting.
Established relationships with DOE Office of Science programs and knowledge of federal research priorities in energy storage and related fields.
Track record of leading large-scale research initiatives, partnerships, and impact-oriented scientific agendas.
Commitment to mentoring scientists and promoting a collaborative and high-performing research environment.

Responsibilities

Provide visionary leadership to define and advance ESRA’s scientific strategy and research priorities in energy storage, electrochemistry, and related fields.
Lead the development of ambitious, cohesive research agendas that leverage ESRA’s strengths and Argonne’s national user facilities to address pressing challenges in energy storage materials and technologies.
Champion interdisciplinary research and partnerships across Argonne, academia, industry, government agencies, and international collaborators to enhance scientific impact and accelerate technology deployment.
Manage ESRA operations, including research execution, staffing and talent development, financial planning, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.
Foster a culture of collaboration and safety that enables scientists and staff to thrive.
Serve as a principal advocate and spokesperson for ESRA’s science to DOE sponsors, funding agencies, stakeholders, and the broader scientific community.
Develop and maintain relationships with multiple funding sources and strategic partners, including government, industry, and academia.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and laboratory policies and uphold high standards of scientific integrity, environmental stewardship, safety, and security.
Contribute to Argonne’s robust and growing energy storage portfolio by collaborating with research leaders across the Laboratory.
Be an active participant in the Argonne energy storage ecosystem, working closely with the Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science (ACCESS).
Continue a world-class research program related to energy storage and electrochemistry, train postdocs and students (as appropriate), and actively participate in the global battery research community.
Demonstrate a high level of competency, including strategic agility, team building, clear communication, trust-building, and accountability.