Forensic Science Center Director - Active Security Clearance Required

LLNL•Livermore, CA

2d•$282,210 - $359,700

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring a Director of the Forensic Science Center (FSC) within its Physical and Life Sciences Directorate. The Director provides overall management, strategic direction, and accountable execution of an externally funded project portfolio, primarily supporting the Strategic Threat Analysis and Response Directorate. The role directs the maintenance, enhancement, and integration of forensic capabilities for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) mission needs, and leads sponsor engagement and program development to sustain and grow the portfolio. The Director reports directly to the PLS Principal Associate Director and establishes Center priorities, manages staff and resources, delegates assignments, and is accountable for the FSC’s strategic, operational, programmatic, and financial objectives. The position requires an active DOE Q-level clearance or an active Top Secret clearance from another U.S. government agency at the time of hire, and the ability to obtain and maintain SCI access. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. External applicants selected must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test; a job-related pre-placement medical examination may also be required. Depending on duties, work in Limited Areas may restrict possession of personal or laboratory mobile and wireless devices. This is a Career Indefinite position open to Laboratory employees and external candidates. The stated annual pay range is $282,210–$359,700. LLNL offers a flexible benefits package, 401(k), relocation assistance, education reimbursement, and flexible schedules depending on project needs.

Requirements

PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Nuclear Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and FSC-relevant experience.
Appropriate general forensic science experience and recognized technical expertise in one or more areas of WMD forensic and attribution science, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive science.
Extensive experience and demonstrated programmatic development of operational forensic science applications supporting law enforcement and/or the Intelligence Community.
Extensive experience with relevant external sponsors and understanding of the FSC sponsor base and interactions, with readiness to navigate these collaborations immediately after selection.
Extensive leadership and team-building skills in multidisciplinary science and technology, including staff management, setting organizational priorities, and directing work through subordinate leaders or technical staff.
Demonstrated experience managing organizational or programmatic resources, including budgets, schedules, infrastructure, and workforce planning.
Advanced technical management experience and demonstrated success at the interface between use-inspired basic research and applied research.
Expert communication, facilitation, collaboration, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills for interacting with senior management, sponsors, and the scientific community on complex management-level technical issues.
Active DOE Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
Ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
U.S. citizenship is required for Q-level clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience working on nationally important issues involving National Laboratories, forensic laboratories, Federal Agencies, and industry at program and policy levels.
Experience with deployment and field support activities.
Experience supporting federal law enforcement and/or Intelligence Community operations.

Responsibilities

Lead the formulation and execution of FSC science and technology strategies and long-range plans aligned with Laboratory and PLS strategic objectives.
Manage FSC staff and organizational resources, establish work plans, delegate assignments, set performance expectations, and ensure execution of Center priorities.
Develop and manage forensic science and related programs in coordination with relevant LLNL programs and division leaders.
Develop and maintain technical contributions to sensitive program areas supporting operational needs.
Provide strategic direction for programmatic strategies in support of FSC and STAR missions.
Oversee programmatic and operational project execution and ensure commitments are delivered safely, on time, and on budget.
Establish and manage Center budgets, schedules, performance standards, and risk-management approaches, ensuring effective use of personnel, scientific infrastructure, and other resources.
Work with LLNL staff and leadership to develop and socialize ideas that secure funding from existing and new sponsors, including DHS, the Department of War, DOJ, and members of the Intelligence Community.
Develop and coordinate strategies to recruit, train, develop, and retain scientists across FSC CBRNE mission areas and future expertise areas.
Develop and implement plans to improve FSC operational efficiency and manage scientific infrastructure costs.
Develop a strategy for FSC participation in high-visibility scientific opportunities, including major national and international conferences and relevant organizations such as AAFS.
Represent FSC and PLS in discussions with senior Laboratory leadership, sponsors, external partners, and government stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.