Senior Advisor, Nuclear Programs and Policy

Idaho National Laboratory • Washington, DC

15h • $164,592 - $337,428 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Nuclear Science & Technology (NS&T) Directorate is seeking an accomplished senior individual contributor to serve as a Senior Advisor, Nuclear Programs and Policy. Reporting to the NS&T CTO, this role supports the directorate's relationships with government organizations, industry, academic institutions, national laboratories, and international stakeholders. The Senior Advisor serves as a subject matter expert translating nuclear energy policy analysis into viable partnership opportunities that advance the mission by growing NS&T's R&D portfolio. Working closely with directorate leadership, this individual provides substantive analysis, coordination support, and direct engagement across NS&T's strategic partnership landscape, ensuring external engagements are consistent, well-prepared, and aligned with directorate priorities and INL's mission objectives. Recognizing that many external relationships are held at the division and program levels, the advisor provides strategic insights and recommendations, alignment, and strategic coherence so that NS&T presents unified expectations, consistent messaging, and a coordinated external posture across the entire directorate. This role does not carry formal people management responsibilities but is expected to exercise significant influence, provide expert guidance, and serve as a trusted resource to NS&T divisions, programs, and the CTO organization.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, public policy, law, or a related field with a minimum of 14 years of relevant experience; or a Master's in engineering, science, public policy, law, or a related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in engineering, science, public policy, law, or a related field with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience external engagement, partnership development, and/or government relations at a national laboratory, federal programs, R&D organization, or major industry institution.
• Demonstrated ability to manage strategic relationships with DOE, other federal agencies, industry partners, state/local governments, national laboratories, and international organizations.
• Experience coordinating complex external engagements and ensuring consistent organizational messaging.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including experience leading high-visibility interactions and representing organizational priorities to senior external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated collaborative leadership and experience reinforcing an inclusive environment that promotes excellence, integrity, and mission-driven leadership.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, public policy, Juris Doctorate, or related degree.

Responsibilities

• Translate nuclear energy policy and strategic priorities into partnership opportunities that grow NS&T’s R&D portfolio.
• Advise leadership on external engagement strategy and partnership development.
• Coordinate and align engagements across divisions to ensure consistent messaging and a unified external presence.
• Support interactions with DOE, other federal agencies, industry, national labs, and global partners.
• Contribute to international engagement strategy aligned with U.S. priorities.
• Provide guidance on partnership mechanisms (e.g., CRADAs, SPPs, MOUs, NDAs).
• Enable program and division leaders to expand mission-driven collaborations.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior