Division Director, Environmental Sciences
Date: Oct 27, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 15529
Overview:
The Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate (BESSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks applicants for the Division Director (DD) of the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD). Reporting to the BESSD Associate Laboratory Director (ALD), the DD is responsible for leading and stewarding the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) core Science and Technology (S&T) capabilities (i.e., Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Science; Advanced Computing, Scientific Visualization and Data Sciences; and Earth and Energy Systems Infrastructure Analysis and Engineering) in alignment with existing programmatic missions and emerging opportunities, and establishing and implementing strategic directions in concert with BESSD leadership.
ESD is an interdisciplinary research and development organization with 140 scientists and engineers, a $70M annual budget, and more than 70 years of achievements in local, national, and international environmental research. Our vision is to expand scientific knowledge and develop innovative strategies and technologies that will boost economic prosperity, ensure energy security, and strengthen the nation's competitiveness while sustaining Earth’s natural resources. Our scientists conduct research, develop technology, and perform analyses to understand and assess responses of environmental systems at the environment-human-energy interface. ESD scientists examine environmental processes from the molecular to the global level in support of projects primarily sponsored by DOE’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research, Bioenergy Technologies Office, Water Power Technologies Office, and the Office of Environmental Management. The DD is responsible for providing scientific leadership for the Division’s research programs and for maintaining the quality of research. This is accomplished by working with staff and the ALD to deliver on existing programs while developing new programs in collaboration with leaders across ORNL. The DD also has primary responsibility for managing the relationship with the Earth and Environmental Systems Sciences Division in the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership that focuses and integrates Division capabilities toward world-class S&T goals.
- Provide and/or supervise direct point-of-contact program management interface to sponsoring organizations.
- Collaborate with management peers to assist the ALD in defining and implementing strategic programmatic research and development (R&D) missions for BESSD and the Laboratory.
- Represent ORNL before advisory committees.
- Emphasize the scientific productivity, impact, and reputation of ESD and engagement of staff in professional organizations.
- Ensure the Division executes projects and delivers outcomes consistent with commitments on budget and schedule.
- Execute line management responsibilities including supervision of Division leadership, budget and business planning, salary planning, staff recruitment and development, employee relations, and performance management.
- Build Division capabilities by attracting a quality pool of top candidates and hiring staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field.
- Serve as the division work authority, striving to implement a culture within the workplace that is attentive to the identification of hazards and responsive to providing controls and processes to address the hazards.
- 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:
- Ph.D. in an environmental research field such as biogeochemistry, bioenergy, computational environmental science, ecology, earth science, earth system modeling, hydrology, environmental informatics or closely related field, plus 15 years of relevant experience is required.
- An international record of research/technical achievement, as evidenced by scholarly publications, patents, and/or funded research grants.
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance in a timely manner.
- Significant experience and demonstrated competence in the management of large-scale scientific projects and collaborative technology and/or science is required.
- Ability to interact effectively with funding agencies such as DOE and demonstrated ability to initiate substantial new research efforts and collaborations is required.
- Demonstrated technical and strategic leadership ability applicable to running a large, diverse, team-oriented organization with a multidisciplinary group of engineers and scientists is required.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
- The ability to interact at the highest level of management, both internally and externally, in a constructive and collaborative manner is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Recognized national and international reputation and record of accomplishment in a discipline relevant to the Division’s research.
Special Requirements:
- Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security 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.
- Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov/.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville