Senior Manager, Hydrogen Isotope Science

Savannah River National Laboratory•Aiken, SC

About The Position

The Tritium Technology Division at SRNL seeks a Group Manager to lead its Hydrogen Isotope Science Group, a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians working on hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium. This hands-on leadership role is for a recognized technical expert who will set the group’s technical direction, grow its research portfolio, and maintain safe and productive people and facilities. The position reports to the Tritium Technology Division Director within the Weapons Technology Directorate and partners closely with program, operations, and facility leaders across the laboratory. The group delivers science and engineering supporting national security, fusion energy, and the tritium supply. Its research spans hydrogen isotope science; tritium processing, handling, storage, purification, recovery, and accountability; isotope separation; tritium effects on materials; and hydrogen storage. The group operates specialized laboratories and tritium-capable facilities and supports DOE/NNSA, Office of Science, fusion energy programs, and industry partners.

Requirements

PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical or nuclear engineering, or a related field, with 8 or more years of relevant experience; alternatively, an MS with 12 or more years or a BS with 15 or more years.
Recognized expertise in at least one core area: hydrogen isotope effects in materials, tritium processing, isotope separation, or tritium effects on materials.
Track record of technical leadership demonstrated through publications, patents, or technical reports.
Working knowledge of radiological safety and experience in a regulated or nuclear environment.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including communication with sponsors and non-specialists.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
Works safely, with particular attention to quality, and complies with all policies and standards.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with tritium in gloveboxes, process systems, or tritium facilities.
Breadth across more than one core area, such as separation and materials effects.
Experience with metal hydrides, permeation barriers, helium-3 aging, or hydrogen embrittlement.
Experience managing R&D teams.
Knowledge of DOE orders, nuclear facility safety bases, and work planning and control.
Prior management experience working at a DOE laboratory.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, postdocs, and technicians.
Recruit and retain talent and build succession for critical tritium skills.
Set goals, conduct performance reviews, and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture.
Set and execute technical strategy across hydrogen isotope science, processing, separation, and materials effects.
Grow the research portfolio by developing proposals and strengthening sponsor and partner relationships.
Integrate fundamental research with applied engineering to meet program commitments.
Represent the laboratory in technical forums, review panels, and sponsor meetings.
Champion safety, including radiological protection, ALARA practices, and conduct of operations.
Ensure compliance with DOE orders and nuclear safety, environmental, security, and tritium-accountability requirements.
Oversee laboratory and facility readiness, work planning and control, and equipment investments.
Manage the group’s budget, staffing plans, and cost, schedule, and scope performance.
Coordinate with line, program, and facility management to balance workload and resources.