Group Leader, Functional Hybrid Nanomaterials

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an R&D Group Leader for the Functional Hybrid Nanomaterials (FHN) Group within the Nanomaterials Synthesis and Nanofabrication Section at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS). The CNMS provides the national and international user communities access to expertise and equipment for a broad range of nanoscience research, including nanomaterials synthesis, nanofabrication, imaging/microscopy/characterization, and theory/modeling/simulation. The selected group leader will be part of the Nanomaterials Synthesis and Nanofabrication Section, which develops and applies state-of-the-art synthesis and diagnostics methods to understand growth mechanisms and function of complex materials in support of the CNMS user program and in-house theme science. As a Senior R&D Staff Member and Group Leader at the CNMS, 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 CNMS theme science program as well as through external programs related to material synthesis and nanofabrication, particularly in the areas of understanding material defects and transformations as they relate to microelectronics, quantum materials, quantum information systems, and autonomous synthesis in support of ORNL’s “atoms to applications” strategic initiative. The FHN group synthesizes and characterizes 2D materials and thin films, as well as hybrid architectures by a variety of techniques. Synthesis and processing methods include pulsed laser deposition (PLD), chemical vapor deposition and transport (CVD, CVT), exfoliation of 2D materials, atmospherically controlled stamping, and other advanced approaches. The group specializes in optical spectroscopy of nanomaterials and methods employing in situ diagnostics of materials' structure and properties during synthesis in response to controlled environments, catalytic reactions, or optical and electrical stimulus. The group is heavily involved in incorporating in situ diagnostics and characterization to enable the development of AI/ML approaches for autonomous synthesis. Signature automated PLD facilities incorporate in situ RHEED, XPS/XPD, Raman spectroscopy, and data acquisition. The Group Leader provides R&D leadership to the group that strategically advances science and technology consistent with ORNL’s position as a premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture. At the CNMS, the group leader will work with staff across the Center to simultaneously cultivate and grow new and ongoing areas of scientific research as well as identify new capabilities that meet the demands of our user community. The R&D group leader brings together a group of peers with the primary goal of pursuing global scientific leadership in their field, nurtures ORNL’s culture among group members, and continues to build and scale up individual excellence and impact in R&D. The R&D group leader reports to and works closely with the R&D section head and division director to implement the group’s scientific vision; develops group members to enable their career advancement; establishes capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one’s respective specialty; sets, implements, and models standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures an inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related science field
Minimum of 6 years relevant experience post Ph.D.
Demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated expertise in synthesis and diagnostic methods
A demonstrated track record of research excellence in materials science, condensed matter physics, chemistry, or strongly similar areas.
Experience in leading teams of cross-disciplinary researchers to produce important discoveries beyond the reach of individual investigators.
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 and champion internationally renowned, innovative science related to nanomaterial synthesis, in situ diagnostics and development of autonomous synthesis platforms.
Be responsible for initiating, planning and managing group activities related to the execution of the CNMS Theme Science and User Programs.
Plan and lead new major research programs across the division, directorate or lab-wide levels, contributing to and developing new research proposals & new client relationships.
Developing international reputation for knowledge in specialty by establishing a track record of contributing to and leading thrusts across major research projects, pushing the edge of knowledge in your field, and leading through service to major societies and participation in advisory committees.
Work closely with the CNMS Division Director and your Section Head to implement the CNMS strategic plan in pursuit of world-leading science and technology directions for the group.
Build strong teams by collaborating across ORNL and securing external expertise when needed. Leverage ORNL facilities and resources when developing new projects.
Work with your Section Head and CNMS Division Director to assess and calibrate individual staff performance within your group. Evaluate progress regularly, providing feedback and addressing performance issues in a timely manner.
Recruit and hire necessary staff from a diverse pool of top candidates who are committed to world-class research and aspire to be the best in their field. Approve job offers.
Drive staff promotions and development.
Address in a timely manner all concerns expressed by staff and any disciplinary actions.
Lead by example, using the principles in ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research and in dealing with others.
Employ best practices, such as holding regular meetings, being visible in the workplace, monitoring budgets, acknowledging sponsors, and adhering to ORNL business systems requirements regarding staff requests for foreign travel and submission of quality proposals.
Coach and mentor staff regarding Battelle’s “Safe Conduct of Research” principles and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
Exemplify a commitment to ORNL by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.
Connect staff to your network. Assist R&D staff in setting long-term career goals. Identify additional mentors as appropriate and engage senior staff to act in this capacity.
Be open and transparent in communicating information to your group and communicate staff achievements and changes to stakeholders in a timely manner.
Work to ensure staff are participating actively in professional service (engagement in scientific societies, workshop and conference organizations, peer review, advisory board membership, etc.).
Advocate for and support internal and external recognition of staff achievements. Ensure the Group’s external professional presence is strong.
Communicate funding/proposal opportunities to staff and support proposal development as appropriate (mentoring, proposal reviews, budget preparation, etc.).
Ensure that staff manage their research projects effectively to deliver results on scope, schedule, and budget while meeting scientific, technical, and business expectations.
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. Foster a respectful workplace in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.