Senior Manager, Hydrogen Isotope Science

Savannah River National Laboratory•Aiken, SC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tritium Technology Division at Savannah River National Laboratory seeks a Group Manager to lead its Hydrogen Isotope Science Group, a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, postdocs and technicians working with hydrogen, deuterium and tritium. This hands-on leadership role is intended for a recognized technical expert who will set technical direction, grow the research portfolio, develop the team and maintain safe, 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 provides science and engineering supporting national security, fusion energy and the tritium supply. Its research covers hydrogen isotope behavior in gases, metals, hydrides and other materials; tritium handling, storage, purification, recovery and accountability; isotope separation; tritium-related aging, radiolytic effects, helium-3 generation, embrittlement and component performance; and hydride characterization after prolonged tritium exposure. The group operates specialized laboratories and tritium-capable facilities and supports DOE/NNSA, Office of Science, fusion energy programs and industry partners. The manager will lead and develop the team, establish technical strategy, pursue proposals and sponsor relationships, integrate fundamental research with applied engineering, and represent the laboratory in technical and sponsor forums. The role also entails championing radiological and operational safety, ensuring regulatory and security compliance, overseeing facility readiness and work planning, managing budgets and staffing, and coordinating workload and resources with line, program and facility management. Savannah River National Laboratory is a multi-program laboratory located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. The position is with Battelle Savannah River Alliance. A competitive relocation package may be available for certain positions; domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

Requirements

PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical or nuclear engineering, or a related field, with at least 8 years of relevant experience; alternatively, an MS with at least 12 years or a BS with at least 15 years of relevant experience.
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.
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.
Work safely with particular attention to quality and comply with all policies and standards.

Nice To Haves

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, separations and materials effects.
Grow the research portfolio by developing proposals and strengthening relationships with sponsors and partners.
Integrate fundamental research with applied engineering to deliver 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.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision options, including HSA options with a company-provided seed.
Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
Company-paid non-contributory life insurance equal to one times salary.
Company-paid non-contributory AD&D insurance equal to one times salary.
Savings and investment plan with a qualified non-elective company contribution of 5% each pay period and immediate vesting.
Company match of 50 cents per dollar up to 8%; five-year vesting in the company match.
Contributory life insurance up to five times salary, with a $1 million cap.
Contributory AD&D coverage for employees, spouses and children.
Paid time off.
Employee Assistance Plan.
Competitive relocation package for eligible positions; domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.