Director, Neutron Scattering Division

Overview:    

The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking applicants with experienced leadership and a strong scientific background for the Division Director of the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD). The NSD Director leads and coordinates staff and resources for the neutron scattering activities at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), which are both operated by NScD. These two neutron facilities currently include 31 instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out more than 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences for more than 3,000 visiting scientists. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL go to: http://neutrons.ornl.gov. 

This position provides strategic leadership and overall management for NSD, which currently has over 200 full time scientists, technical professionals, technicians, and postdoctoral researchers. The division leads and supports a vibrant world-class user program while continuing to develop new neutron scattering methods, approaches, and instrumentation, and performing cutting-edge scientific research that benefits from and contributes to these advances. The division consists of six sections. Three sections, i.e., Diffraction, Spectroscopy, and Large-Scale Structures, are comprised of the neutron scattering scientists on the corresponding beamlines. The Sample Environment and Labs section develops new capabilities and provides support across the beamlines at SNS and HFIR. The two Beamline Operations sections at SNS and HFIR, respectively, include the staff directly supporting instrument operations, notably the scientific associates, instrument support teams, the Instrument Hall Coordinators, and the Neutron Chopper team. The division also houses the User Program and Outreach office as well as the Scientific Software Development team, which is matrixed with the Computer Science and Mathematics Division. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Lead NSD to deliver the most scientifically productive user program possible, and advance neutron scattering activities across all user beamlines, emphasizing cutting-edge research, and meeting the needs of the national and international user community. 

• Develop and execute strategic plans to ensure continued growth of the neutron scattering science program and user community. 

• Ensure safe and compliant operations of NSD and the NScD user program. 

• Ensure effective collaboration with NUPO to deliver key upgrade projects for NScD  

• Lead development of a routinely updated science case and instrument roadmap for STS, FTS and HFIR 

• Ensure a creative and safe environment for research productivity in which staff can grow in their career and users benefit from scientific vibrancy and the capabilities of ORNL. 

• Manage the NSD budget for SNS and HFIR neutron scattering operations, midscale investments and instrument improvement projects   

• Develop operational goals to address reliability, obsolescence, and maintenance issues 

• Engage with the user community by maintaining a close relationship with the executive committee of the SNS and HFIR User Group 

• Commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct by holding yourself and others to the highest scientific, professional, and ethical standards. Read more about the ORNL research code of conduct here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity 

• Ensure compliance with Laboratory policies, standards, and procedures as documented in the Standards Based Management System, including but not limited to environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements 

• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.  

Basic Qualifications: 

• PhD in physics, engineering, materials science, chemistry, or related discipline and at least 15 years of relevant experience 

• Ten years of experience in leadership of scientists and scientific activities 

• Demonstrated experience in articulating and implementing a vision to advance a science program 

• A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals 

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in cross-functional teams 

• A strong record in safe operations and continuous improvement activities 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Recognized leadership in neutron scattering science with a record of participation and membership on editorial boards, national and international committees, peer review boards, and advisory committees 

• Previous experience working in a DOE research program 

• Previous experience at a neutron scattering facility 

• Previous experience in a large user facility 

Benefits at ORNL: