Division Director, Accelerator Operations
About The Position
The Division Director, CEBAF Accelerator, leads the CEBAF Accelerator Division in the safe, compliant, reliable, and high-performance operation of the CEBAF accelerator. The role ensures delivery of mission-critical commitments under the laboratory’s M&O contract and meets DOE expectations for accelerator reliability, availability, and uptime. Reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for CEBAF, the Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the division’s departments, staff, programs, and resources, and shapes its long-term direction in alignment with laboratory goals. The Director manages the division budget, multi-year program priorities, and cross-department initiatives, and fosters a strong culture of safety and operational discipline. The role ensures staff have the training, tools, and information to work safely and effectively, while maintaining compliance with institutional policies, the Contractor Assurance System, and applicable regulations. Responsibilities include guiding development and implementation of accelerator technologies for CEBAF and steering long-term growth of CEBAF capabilities in line with laboratory strategic plans. The Director contributes to laboratory-wide strategic planning and policy development and, in close coordination with the international user community, represents the division and laboratory to senior scientific stakeholders, partner organizations, and the DOE Site Office. This includes ensuring timely responses to technical requests and escalating critical issues in coordination with the ALD and Director’s office.
Requirements
- At least 20 years of experience in particle accelerator operations, construction, and research and development.
- At least 3 years leading multidisciplinary research groups or organizations.
- Ph.D. in Physics or another relevant field.
- Strong knowledge of accelerator science and technology, with a vision for its future evolution.
- Ability to lead the division and model behaviors that support excellence in daily operations and execution of the scientific program.
- Functional knowledge of beam dynamics in accelerators and accelerator systems, including RF, magnets, beam diagnostics, control systems, and superconducting cavities.
- Skill in training and coaching staff and acting decisively when performance or behaviors deviate from organizational standards.
- Ability to present and express ideas and information clearly and appropriately for the audience to facilitate open exchange of information.
- Education above the minimum may not substitute for experience, and relevant experience may not substitute for education.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all functions of the CEBAF Accelerator Division, including operation, maintenance, improvement, and long-term development of the CEBAF accelerator complex.
- Lead the division’s contributions to laboratory strategic planning and budget formulation, set division priorities, and align them with CEBAF Directorate and laboratory goals.
- Direct and manage the division’s financial, human, and material resources, including budgets, personnel, and procurement; operate within allocated targets; support FWP planning and DOE reporting; and remain accountable to the CEBAF ALD.
- Lead accelerator readiness, documentation, and safety compliance in coordination with ES&E and Experimental Physics; ensure safe operation within the approved safety envelope and promote safety and environmental stewardship.
- Drive accelerator reliability, availability, and performance to meet or exceed M&O contract commitments and DOE expectations, including operational goals and uptime targets.
- Direct research, development, and production activities to improve CEBAF performance and reliability and extend its operational life through suitable machine upgrades.
- Partner with the CEBAF Experimental Physics Division to define beam requirements and help develop experiment schedules that support timely, efficient program execution.
- Ensure clear communication, timely coordination, and alignment of division goals with laboratory priorities, fostering continuous improvement.
- Represent the division and laboratory to the national and international accelerator community; maintain relationships with staff, users, and stakeholders; and coordinate with the DOE Site Office.
- Serve as acting ALD for CEBAF when designated.
- Provide effective leadership and management of Accelerator Division staff and resources.
- Engage in professional development, mentoring, and succession planning for Accelerator Division.
- Ensure timely responses to technical requests and escalate critical issues in coordination with the ALD and Director’s office.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Paid time off and leave programs, including paid parental leave, vacation, holidays, and sick leave
- 401(k) plan with a 9% Lab contribution and 100% vesting
- Flexible work arrangements, including remote and alternate work schedules
- Tuition assistance
- Training and professional development programs
- Company-provided relocation assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
