Section Head - Spectroscopy

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Section Head for Spectroscopy in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The Spectroscopy Section leads the development of neutron spectroscopy methods across 10 instruments at both the High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source enabling research in areas such as quantum materials, energy-related materials, soft matter, complex fluids, and biology. The section currently comprises three groups (Chemical Spectroscopy, Direct Geometry, and Triple-Axis) and oversees the instruments BASIS, CNCS, HYSPEC, VISION, SEQUOIA, ARCS, PTAX, VERITAS, TAX, and CTAX.

Requirements

A PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience leading R&D teams and supporting a user program at a national or international user facility.
Established track record of performing neutron scattering research or closely related work using large-scale user facility instrumentation.
Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.
Must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.
Must not have declared illegal drug activities within the last year, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in neutron spectroscopy methods, including data analysis techniques and the use of advanced sample environments.
Experience managing multiple research groups or cross-functional scientific teams.
Strong record of external scientific recognition, proposal success, and engagement with professional societies or advisory boards.
For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of a world-class scientific vision for the Spectroscopy Section, including instrument capabilities and user program strategy.
Partner with the Division Director and section Group Leaders to establish priorities, allocate resources, and drive scientific excellence across all three groups.
Oversee a leading user program, ensuring users benefit from the highest quality research capabilities and scientific support across all section instruments.
Manage section Group Leaders, including hiring, performance evaluation, succession planning, and career development.
Actively pursue and communicate funding and proposal opportunities; support staff in proposal development and budget preparation.
As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct.
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.