Group Leader- Chemical Dynamics Group

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an R&D Group Leader for the Chemical Dynamics Group in the Chemical Transformations Sections, Chemical Sciences Division (CSD). The Chemical Sciences Division performs discovery and use-inspired research to understand, predict, and control the physical processes and chemical transformations, relevant to energy technologies, over a broad range of length and time scales. The foundation of the division is a strong Basic Energy Sciences (BES) portfolio focused on interfacial science that pushes the frontiers of catalysis, geosciences, separations, spatially and temporally resolved chemical imaging, energy storage, and polymer science. Neutron scattering studies are used to provide new insights into the structure and dynamics of materials and interfaces. Theory is closely integrated with chemical synthesis and characterization to gain new insights into molecular processes with the ultimate goal of predictive insights. Applied research and technology naturally grow out of our fundamental studies. CSD comprises of three sections that solve problems in the areas of catalysis, separations, polymer chemistry and nuclear analytical chemistry. As a Senior R&D Staff Member and Group Leader in CSD, your work will combine science with leadership. As a Group Leader, you will be instrumental in shaping and implementing division strategies across your group to deliver world-leading science along with a robust and impactful collaborative user program. This will include leading and conducting groundbreaking, scientific research in your own area of expertise as part of the CSD theme science program as well as programs with stronger focus on physical chemistry and chemical physics aiming to understand interactions of matter with light or other external stimuli in support of ORNL core capabilities.

Requirements

A PhD degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline
A minimum of 6 years of experience in a professional research environment
Demonstrated experience in leading scientific teams.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated track record in developing chemical physical approaches to understand matter at the atomic scale.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Responsibilities

Lead group of internationally known scientists in novel spectroscopy methods.
Be responsible for initiating, planning and managing group activities related to the execution of the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate science themes.
Develop and enhance the group’s capabilities and external reputation.
Build strong collaborations within the Chemical Transformations Sections, Chemical Sciences Division and across the laboratory.
Recruit and hire necessary staff, technical professionals and post-docs as fit for the group.
Mentor and develop staff, drive staff promotions and external recognition.
Coach and mentor staff regarding Battelle’s “Safe Conduct of Research” principles and oversee laboratory safety in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
Communicate funding/proposal opportunities to staff and support proposal development.
Lead by example, using the principles in ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct”.
Ensure that staff manage their research projects effectively to deliver results on scope, schedule, and budget.
Effectively communicate the importance of protecting proprietary or sensitive information and complying with ORNL cybersecurity policies and guidelines.
Recognize and support the contributions and responsibilities of Group Leaders and Laboratory Space Managers to lab safety.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.