Deputy Technical Director

Deputy Technical Director

Research Scientist - Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based ScienceS and Education (CLASSE)

Who We Are

The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) carries out research on the frontier of accelerator physics and engineering. CLASSE supports the operation of the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) for photon science through the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). The CHESS organization provides X-ray experimental facilities, and welcomes users from around the world.

What You Will Do

As a member of the CLASSE Senior Management team, the Deputy Technical Director focuses on strategic planning and reporting. They work closely with senior management, faculty, and various agencies, helping to define the scope, schedule, budget, and risk analysis of funding proposals. Strong project management skills are required to define, execute, and track ongoing projects. As projects develop, risks are addressed and sponsors are provided continual informative feedback. The Deputy Technical Director serves on the operations team, supervising or directly managing research infrastructure, and ensuring budgeting and staffing needs align with available resources. They inform definitions of staffing roles, recruiting, planning for the future, and overseeing technical service teams. They lend their expertise to the support and supervision of CLASSE facilities, coordinating with university departments and outside contractors. 

Primary responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

  Strategic Planning and Reporting

• Serve as a member of the CLASSE senior management team, working closely with leadership

• Build and maintain relationships with faculty, the office of the vice president for research and innovation, facilities and campus services, state, and local agencies

• Initiate and collaborate on funding proposals, with a focus on aid, schedules, budgets, risk analysis, and review

  Project Management

• Oversee project and award definition, execution, performance and risk management, status tracking, analysis, reporting, and sponsor communication

  Operations

• Supervise or directly manage research infrastructure during operations and maintenance phases

• In collaboration with CHESS Deputy Director, forecast, prioritize, and align budgeting and staffing needs with available CLASSE resources as it relates to Photon Subscription and Xray Operations

  Shared Services

• Define staff roles and responsibilities, participate in recruitment, and plan for succession while managing CLASSE’s matrixed technical staff

• Oversee, support, and manage technical service groups (mechanical designers, machinists, etc.) and workshops

• Prioritize and allocate technical support and research space

  Facilities

• Provide support and supervision for CLASSE facilities and physical research infrastructure

• Coordinate with Cornell departments (Facilities and Campus Services, Environment Health and Safety, & Labor & Relations) and external contractors

The initial appointment is for three years and can be renewed based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. For further information about the position, please contact ­­­­Nigel Lockyer. The posting will remain open until the position is filled. 

What We Need

• Ph.D. or equivalent in a related field and at least 15 years relevant work experience

• Excellent project management skills and timeline management

• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental compliance and policies

• Experience leading teams with respect

What We Prefer

• Proven ability to supervise and lead teams effectively

• Successful track record managing $10M+ budgets

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

• Demonstrated strength in strategic planning and implementation

• Skilled in analyzing, planning ahead, and restructuring staffing to meet organizational needs

• Brings knowledge of, and estab