Section Head, Integrated Fuel Cycle Section

Requisition Id 13172 

 

 

ORNL is looking for an individual with strong leadership skills and a commitment to excellence to lead our Integrated Fuel Cycle Section as the Section Head. As a global leader in nuclear energy research, ORNL is focused on developing and demonstrating innovative nuclear technologies that promote efficiency, safety, and security in delivering nuclear benefits.

 

As the Section Head of the Integrated Fuel Cycle Section, you will have the unique opportunity to lead and contribute to the development of a sustainable strategy for the storage, transportation, and disposition of used nuclear materials. You will play a crucial role in proposing, planning, and implementing major research and development programs that support the missions of esteemed organizations such as the US Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. By sharing important findings through publications and presentations, you will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

The access to exceptional infrastructure available at ORNL is one of the most exciting aspects of this role. You will have the opportunity to utilize resources like hot cell facilities for processing fuel pins, material irradiation capacity at the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and diverse fuel cycle chemistry facilities. Moreover, you will have access to advanced manufacturing demonstration facilities and the exascale Frontier system, which is currently ranked #1 on the May 2024 Top500 list.

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

 

• Collaborating closely with the NEFCD Division Director, Group Leaders within the section, and leadership of internal collaborating organizations to create a vision and strategy for enhancing the section's impact.
• Engaging with external partners from national laboratories, industry, and academia to drive next-generation technology roadmaps.
• Recruiting talent, supporting professional development, and sustaining core capabilities
• Establishing staff performance expectations, engaging in staff development and mentorship, and supporting evaluation and recognition of performance.
• Developing a vision and implementing a strategy to pursue world-leading science and technology directions for the section.
• Serving as a direct supervisor for Section Group Leaders
• Counseling and mentoring staff, transferring knowledge of specialized field(s), and setting long-term career goals.
• Fostering a culture of open and transparent communication, ensuring timely information sharing with teams and relevant parties.
• Advocating for and supporting internal and external recognition of staff achievements.
• Communicating funding and proposal opportunities to staff, supporting proposal development, and adhering to cybersecurity policies and guidelines.
• Recognizing and supporting the contributions and responsibilities of Group Leaders and Laboratory Space Managers to lab safety.

 

Basic Qualifications

 

• Ph.D. and 12 years of relevant experience, or an M.S. and 16 years of relevant experience or a B.S. and 20 years of relevant experience
• Degree area of concentration should be in engineering or a related scientific field.
• Experience in leading technical teams, including direct supervisory experience with oversight of staff performance

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

• A current active Q clearance
• A research track record in areas relevant to the mission of the section
• Experience working for or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories or similar R&D organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership of science and technology initiatives.
• A record of scholarly accomplishment, and mentorship experience are also highly valued.

 

Special Requirement

 

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

 

At ORNL, we are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We foster a respectful workplace where everyone's ideas and contributions are valued. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Join our team at ORNL and contribute to world-class research that shapes the future of nuclear energy. We offer competitive pay and benefits programs, including medical and retirement plans, flexible work hours, and employee amenities such as fitness and cafeteria fa