Chief Science and Technology Strategist

Requisition Id 16385 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a visionary and mission-driven Chief Science and Technology Strategist (CSTS) to serve as a senior leader within a major research directorate with an annual portfolio of approximately $600M. Reporting directly to the Associate Laboratory Director (ALD), the CSTS will play a critical role in shaping the directorate’s scientific and technological direction, ensuring alignment with national priorities, and strengthening ORNL’s leadership in emerging and mission-relevant domains.

 

The CSTS will serve as a principal advisor to the ALD on current and future science and technology trends, with particular emphasis on quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and information dominance. The role requires a nationally recognized leader with deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and a demonstrated ability to build and sustain high-impact programs in complex, classified, and mission-driven environments. The CSTS will also act as a senior external ambassador, engaging with sponsors across the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and other national security stakeholders.

 

Purpose:

The purpose of the CSTS role is to define and drive a forward-looking science and technology strategy that positions the directorate—and ORNL more broadly—for sustained leadership in national security innovation. This includes leading the development and implementation of an integrated R&D strategy that aligns future technological trends with mission needs and leverages the full breadth of capabilities within the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) and across ORNL.

The CSTS will be responsible for shaping and expanding strategic programs and partnerships with the Department of Defense and the U.S. Intelligence Community, particularly in areas such as quantum technologies, quantum-enabled information dominance, classified high-performance computing, and advanced AI capabilities. The role will identify emerging opportunities, guide investment priorities, and translate cutting-edge science into mission-relevant solutions.

Additionally, the CSTS will foster cross-organizational collaboration, drive innovation across the directorate’s portfolio, and ensure that ORNL remains at the forefront of addressing evolving national security challenges through science and technology leadership.

 

About NSSD:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) leads the development and application of advanced science and technology to address some of the nation’s most pressing national security challenges. NSSD stewards ORNL’s capabilities across defense nuclear nonproliferation, cyber-physical security, geospatial intelligence, defense advanced manufacturing, and national security high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. With annual research expenditures of approximately $600 million and more than 2,200 staff across ORNL contributing fully or partially to its mission, NSSD represents a significant and growing component of ORNL’s portfolio.

 

NSSD leverages the Laboratory’s world-class facilities and multidisciplinary expertise, working closely with leading researchers in nuclear and chemical engineering, applied materials, advanced manufacturing, biosecurity, transportation, fission and fusion, and computing. Through these integrated capabilities, the directorate confronts complex and evolving threats that impact public safety, national defense, energy infrastructure, and economic stability. In partnership with sponsors across the Department of Energy, Department of War and the Intelligence Community, NSSD delivers innovative, mission-driven solutions designed to outpace adversaries. The Chief Science and Technology Strategist will join this dynamic environment, helping to shape the future of science and technology in support of national security.

 

 Major Duties and Responsibilities:

 

1. Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, forward-looking vision and strategy for classified defense and intelligence R&D aligned with the ORNL Lab Agenda and national security priorities.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the ALD and Directorate leadership on emerging S&T trends, R&D gaps, and strategic investment priorities.
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging and disruptive technologies (e.g., quantum, AI, advanced computing) to anticipate future mission needs and position ORNL