Group Leader, Material Signatures and Isotopic Standards

Requisition Id 13495 

Overview:  

We are seeking a Distinguished R&D Group Leader to lead the world-class capabilities of the newly formed Material Signatures and Isotopic Standards (MSIS) group. The group will develop and perform detailed analytical characterizations on a variety of nuclear materials as well as those for certification of reference materials. The group’s focus areas will be in the development of instrumentation and methodologies for high precision traceable methods for isotopics, elemental assays, and quantification of trace impurities in bulk, nuclear, and environmental matrices. This position resides in Material Signature and Isotopic Standards (MSIS) Group in the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) Section, Chemicals Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

 

As the R&D Group Leader, you will lead a highly functional team of peers with the primary goal of pursuing global scientific leadership in the field of analytical sciences. This will include establishing relationships and writing proposals to develop new research focus areas and strengthen current programs and capabilities and to advance knowledge and/or technology in the analytical sciences. You will also lead research for the development of prototypes of analytical instruments and innovative devices for measurements as well as methodologies for mass spectrometry to address challenging analytical problems.

 

Another expectation of this Leader is to champion ORNL’s culture of scientific excellence within the group by continuing to shape and scale up staff excellence and impact in R&D and projects. And, to continually improve on the group's quality systems for its analytical operations per its accreditation to ISO 17025. In this role, you will work closely with your line manager, the R&D Section Head, to implement the group’s scientific vision and establish capabilities that enable programs to excel. Our ideal Group Leader will be a subject matter expert in material handling and isotopic/ assay analysis. We're also looking for someone to have some familiarity with inorganic mass spectrometry and protocols for working with radiological material.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects to position the group for future success.
• Participate/ lead in the initiation of new research directions and development of research proposals to contend for internal and external funding.
• Lead collaboration with other scientists and technical personnel in a fast-paced, flexible work environment.
• Attract a high quality, diverse pool of candidates and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field.
• Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals. Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner.
• Certify the technical quality of the group’s products and services.
• Provide relevant input to assist the R&D Section Head with staff development while providing direct and impactful mentorship to staff on regular basis.
• Lead by example by exercising the principles in ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
• Lead ESH&Q by example and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
• Advance the reputation of the group members and standing of the group as a whole through establishing collaborations, Professional Society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events.
• Maintain