Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) Director

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science user facility advancing molecular level discoveries that support predictive understanding of biological, environmental, and energy systems. As the EMSL Director, they will lead one of the nation’s most collaborative scientific user programs, shaping its scientific vision, stewarding its capabilities, and providing operational and strategic leadership for one of the nation’s most impactful and collaborative scientific user programs. Reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) of the newly formed Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate, the EMSL Director serves as a key member of the directorate’s scientific leadership team and provides direct oversight to a core EMSL science and operations leadership group of 25-50 staff. EMSL’s user program mission is to lead molecular-level discoveries for the DOE Office of Science Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, ensuring EMSL delivers high-impact science and predictive insights that translate to predictive biological and environmental understanding and accelerated solutions for national energy and environmental challenges. They will enable foundational discoveries and predictive capabilities that are critical to DOE’s mission—guiding its future impact and growth.

Requirements

Knowledge of relevant research sponsors, particularly BER and DOE Office of Science, and familiarity with national laboratory environments.
Ability to develop and execute strategic plans and adapt to evolving scientific and operational needs.
Ability to articulate a clear vision and purpose to position capabilities for mission impact.
Ability to effectively engage and build strong relationships with senior leaders, sponsors, and external partners.
Ability to interact effectively with funding agencies such as the Department of Energy.
Ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff, fostering a collaborative culture with diversity of scientific thought.
Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
BS/BA and 15 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 13 years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

PhD in biology, chemistry, geochemistry, Ecology, Earth science or relevant field.
Experience leading scientific or technical teams and/or programs within research environments.
Experience working in high performing teams as part of a matrixed line management environment.
Research experience within environmental and biological sciences.
Contracting, operations, and resource management experience within a complex scientific laboratory environment.
Experience within a DOE User Facility.
Recognized national and international reputation and record of accomplishment in a scientific and/or engineering field.
Direct line management experience of 25+ staff.

Responsibilities

Responsible for leading the EMSL User Facility and Program, ensuring scientific excellence, program productivity, and safe operations.
Ensure the smooth transition to operations and ongoing high impact science are executed as the $122M EMSL expansion to include the Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability (M2PC) project begins construction and eventual commissioning near FY2029.
Work collaboratively across BER User Facilities and Enabling Technologies resources to promote, advance, and lead discovery science research with the BER community across biotechnology and critical biology-Earth-Energy intersections.
Responsible for developing, articulating, and implementing an ambitious, bold forward looking scientific vision that enables molecular science discoveries and effectively mobilizes the scientific community to provide the foundations for BER research priorities and our nation’s critical biological, environmental, and energy challenges.
Responsible for enabling integrated, cross collaboration and engagement amongst the laboratory and the the broader scientific user community.
Represents EMSL as the primary spokesperson for the User Program in interactions with the DOE, the BER and broader research communities, and other government agencies.
Accountable for User Program budgets, funding, workforce planning, human resource management, capital acquisitions, environmental health and safety, and facilities management.
Enhance EMSL’s research programs and capabilities in alignment with emerging mission priorities.
Strengthen partnerships with academic institutions, national laboratories and other DOE User Facilities, scientific networks, and sponsors to enhance program impact and visibility.
Provide strategic direction to EMSL research groups and directly supervises members of the EMSL leadership team.
Responsible for oversight with ES&H safety criteria for safe operation of laboratories, in compliance with lab, state, and federal regulations.
Responsible for safe operations with oversight to field deployments.
Direct line management of EMSL leadership team and critical science and operational roles, ~20 staff.
Partner with Division Directors to collaboratively matrix lead and manage scientific, technical, and operational staff directly supporting the EMSL user program and facility across PNNL (~200 staff).