Group Leader, Ecosystem Processes

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Sciences Division (ESD) in the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Group Leader for the Ecosystem Processes group in the Earth Systems Science section. The group advances mechanistic understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of ecosystems through ecosystem-scale manipulation experiments, observations, and integrated modeling. Its whole-ecosystem approach investigates coupled carbon, water, and nutrient cycling within and across ecosystems. The group includes five research professionals, two technical professionals, two technicians, and two post-doctoral researchers. The Group Leader connects staff expertise and creativity with the projects, programs, and vision of the broader organization. The role includes mentoring, career development, and building collaborations across ORNL. The leader will conduct and guide independent research and development, establish a strategic vision for the group, develop staff, recruit and hire personnel, and ensure safe, secure, and compliant operations. The position also serves as the immediate supervisor for group staff and is accountable for the quality and safety of their work environment, professional growth, research directions, operations, and products and services. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badge, or, for certain foreign national candidates who do not yet meet the U.S. residency requirement, a favorable Local Site Specific Only risk determination until eligible for a PIV credential. Employment requires a Real ID-compliant form of identification and a favorable federal background investigation.

Requirements

Ph.D. with at least 6 years of relevant experience, or M.S. with at least 12 years of experience, or B.S. with 15 years of experience.
Demonstrated experience leading research and development teams.
Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge, subject to applicable federal credentialing requirements.
Real ID-compliant identification and successful completion of the required federal background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and contribute creatively to collaborative teams across the laboratory.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.
Experience engaging with the national laboratory complex.
General knowledge of the Office of Science mission, particularly the Office of Biological and Environmental Research.

Responsibilities

Initiate, lead, and perform ongoing independent research and development as a recognized leader in the relevant technical area.
Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group research strategy to support current projects and position the group for future success.
Develop plans to pursue new opportunities and expand existing research efforts.
Help staff set performance goals aligned with group strategy and career goals, provide timely feedback, and guide staff development.
Attract and hire a diverse pool of high-quality candidates committed to world-class research and development.
Model ORNL’s Research Code of Conduct and coach staff on Battelle’s Safe Conduct of Research principles.
Lead by example on environment, safety, health, and quality; ensure work is safe, secure, and compliant with ORNL policies and procedures.
Model ORNL expectations for research, operations, community engagement, and cooperation across the laboratory.
Serve as the immediate supervisor for group staff and hold staff accountable for performance.
Encourage staff to pursue ambitious ideas, take appropriate risks, and develop skills for new research programs.
Build collaborations, support professional society leadership and involvement, and organize technical events to advance the group’s reputation.
Review proposals, publications, and other technical products for quality and consistency with ORNL standards.
Build strong teams across ORNL and connect staff with scientific networks and professional societies.
Hold regular scientific and technical group meetings and maintain visibility in laboratories and the workplace.
Take front-line responsibility for laboratory safety and empower Laboratory Space Managers to foster a strong safety culture.
Communicate the importance of protecting proprietary or sensitive information and complying with cybersecurity policies and guidelines.
Develop and implement strategies for world-leading science and technology, ensure safe and effective operations, hire staff, and certify the technical quality of group products and services.