Section Head, Data and AI Systems Research

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Computer Science and Mathematics Division (CSMD) is seeking an internationally recognized and research active computational scientist to lead and grow world class research capabilities focused on solving the world’s most challenging problems through artificial intelligence and data driven algorithms and systems. CSMD creates the mathematics, artificial intelligence, and architecture-aware algorithms that harness machines, ideas, and data to enable far reaching scientific breakthroughs. We develop computer innovations and advanced practical tools to address scientific discovery, technology and national security challenges. CSMD delivers fundamental and applied research capabilities in a wide range of areas, including applied mathematics and computer science, decision science, discrete algorithms, multiscale methods, experimental computing systems, scalable algorithms and systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data management, workflow systems, analysis and visualization technologies, programming systems and environments, and system science and engineering. The Data and AI Systems Research Section has capabilities in the following areas: Learning Systems — Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis at scale. Visualization — Methods, tools, and technologies for visual data analysis. Workflow Systems — Large scale data management, workflow, and data compression. Data Engineering — Engineering data assets and systems, including data wrangling and system design, to drive scientific innovation. Performance Engineering — Engineering and management of secure systems. As part of our research team, you will provide Research and Development (R&D) leadership to a thematic area of science and technology that integrates several thematically aligned R&D groups consistent with ORNL’s aspiration to be the world’s premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture. The R&D Section Head is an internationally recognized research leader with broad scientific influence across the national research funding agencies, who works closely with the Division Director and section Group Leaders to establish and implement the science and technology directions for the section; support the Group Leaders build upon their existing research portfolio and to ensure their success and the success of the R&D groups as world-recognized leaders in their fields; ensure that staff members understand business opportunities; identify links to current and future funding opportunities and R&D programs; develop and implement consistent processes for the peer-review of proposals consistent with lab standards; model proper Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality practices.

Requirements

A PhD in computer science, computer engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
Strong record of scientific achievement as evidenced through publications, software, patents, or impactful R&D outcomes.
Demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams.
Demonstrated experience in effectively leading and managing technical personnel.
Demonstrated experience in following established guidelines and meeting deadlines consistently to ensure efficient organizational operation.
A background that includes research experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), as evidenced by a strong record of research publications and presentations.
A background that includes research experience in scientific data management, as evidenced by a strong record of research publications and presentations.
The proven ability to positively interact with researchers, program managers, and ORNL leadership.

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge and experience developing and applying modern AI methods, including machine learning, deep learning, foundation models, agentic AI systems, graph neural networks, and knowledge‑graph–based reasoning.
Familiarity with integrating AI into scientific workflows at scale.
Leadership in the AI field and strong connections to ORNL and academic AI researchers.
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.
Evidence of leadership at a DOE laboratory or in a similar external environment and high potential for further leadership development.
Experience recruiting, hiring, and mentoring staff members.
Experience crafting and executing strategies as part of a diverse and cohesive team of managers.
Ability to connect to ORNL's missions and transition research into use.
Ability to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments on problems from diverse application domains and in partnership with specialists in other domains.
Established relationships with federal program managers, industry partners, and academic collaborators.
Leadership in professional communities as evidenced via activities such as participation in professional organizations, organizational activities, etc.
Experience leading or contributing to complex software projects.
Active DOE Q clearance.

Responsibilities

Initiates, leads and performs R&D programs and initiatives on an ongoing basis.
Work closely with the Division Director and Group Leaders within the section to develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading science and technology directions for the section.
Demonstrate cross-functional team leadership.
Support Division Director in the operations of the division and represent Director when Director is not available.
Work with section Group Leaders to establish, communicate, and measure critical metrics for success and impact.
Actively contribute to shaping the division’s, directorate’s, and laboratory’s research plans and investments.
Build strong teams by collaborating across ORNL and securing external expertise when needed.
Leverage ORNL facilities and resources when developing new projects.
Work with the Group Leaders and the Division Director to assess and calibrate individual staff performance across the section.
Evaluate progress regularly, providing feedback and addressing performance issues in a timely manner.
Develop and implement Succession Planning with input from Group Leaders for all critical positions in the section to ensure future success.
Ensure groups are recruiting and hiring from a robust 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.
Model lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.
Serve as direct supervisor for section Group Leaders.
Counsel/consult/mentor staff and transfer knowledge of specialized field(s) to a variety of staff, including senior staff.
Connect staff to your network.
Assist Group Leaders (and R&D staff when appropriate) 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 groups and communicate staff achievements and changes to stakeholders in a timely manner.
Work with Group Leaders to ensure staff are participating actively in professional service (engagement in scientific societies, workshop and conference organization, peer review, advisory board membership, etc.).
Advocate for and support internal and external recognition of staff achievements.
Ensure the Section’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.
Align 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.