Section Head - Research and Operations Integration Section

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

The Radioisotope Science and Technology Division (RSTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Section Head for its Research and Operations Integration Section. RSTD supports the Department of Energy Isotope Program through a research, development, and demonstration portfolio focused on radioisotope production, applications, and fundamental properties. Its work uses specialized nuclear and radiological facilities, including fume hoods, gloveboxes, and shielded hot cells. Reporting to the RSTD Director, the Section Head provides division-wide support for strategic advancement of the RD&D portfolio. The role integrates research and operations, supports technical maturation of radiochemical processing, improves facility utilization, implements materials accountability programs, and coordinates Environmental, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) initiatives. The Section Head ensures compliant work execution, appropriate technical maturation across projects, and effective allocation of facilities, laboratory space, instrumentation, and other resources. The role also serves as a liaison between RSTD and matrixed support organizations such as Quality Assurance, Radiological Protection, and Environmental Safety and Health. The Section Head oversees the Process Coordination Group, which develops material processing campaign plans and optimizes schedules for high-demand facilities, balancing isotope production, research and development, liquid waste management, and maintenance. The role also oversees the Project Integration and Material Accountability Group, which supports compliant use of laboratory capabilities, workflow mapping, material and waste movement, issues management, ESH&Q, knowledge and information management, and nuclear material accountability. The position works closely with RSTD line and program management to develop and maintain systems and capabilities that support organizational, program, and project objectives. It promotes high-quality, reliable execution in support of ORNL’s mission to supply critical nuclear materials for science, medicine, and industry.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a relevant technical field with at least 12 years of experience in a complex research or operations environment; or a master’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience; or a Ph.D. with at least 7 years of relevant experience.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize actions.
Demonstrated line-management experience leading small to medium teams.
Understanding of project-management fundamentals.
Self-motivated and able to work with minimal oversight.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy clearance.
Must pass a pre-placement drug test and participate in an ongoing random drug-testing program.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a DOE nuclear facility or a similar highly regulated environment.
Experience in technical maturation of complex manufacturing processes and application of a graded approach.

Responsibilities

Establish and implement research and operations integration systems for the Division in collaboration with the Division Director, Section Heads, Group Leads, and Program Managers.
Coordinate with directors and chief operating officers from other divisions and directorates to ensure seamless implementation of matrix support.
Oversee scientists and engineers responsible for effective and compliant use of division resources.
Identify process-improvement opportunities and provide viable solutions.
Contribute to shaping the Division’s research plans and investments.
Collaborate with division and program management to implement the technical maturation process consistently across projects.
Support internal and external assessments; record findings and recommendations and assist with corrective actions.
Supervise Group Leaders as a line manager and mentor junior staff across the Division and Directorate.
Ensure the section has sufficient resources to execute mission requirements.
Ensure operational upsets and abnormal conditions are evaluated for potential safety-basis and production impacts, occurrence-reporting needs, and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Ensure work complies with the Standards-Based Management System and applicable internal operating procedures.
Promote safe work by spending time in work areas coaching, mentoring, and reinforcing expectations.
Ensure timely notification and escalation of operational events to the Division Director, Facility Manager, and other appropriate leaders.
Maintain a culture consistent with ORNL principles for a strong safety culture.
Foster continuous improvement by applying lessons learned and operational experience to refine production strategies, improve performance, and reduce risk.
Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and promote equal opportunity and a respectful workplace.