Division Director, Nuclear and Radiological Protection
Date: Jan 15, 2026
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37831
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 15802
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a premier U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy research laboratory dedicated to advancing national priorities through cutting-edge science and engineering. The laboratory's mission includes the High-flux Isotope Reactor which supports isotope production, neutron scattering experiments, and irradiation studies; the Spallation Neutron Source accelerator facility, one of the brightest pulsed neutron sources in the world equipped with advanced neutron beam delivery systems and state-of-the-art detectors; radiochemical engineering development laboratories and hot cell facilities used for handling, processing, and production of transuranic isotopes; and several facilities involved in the production and processing of medical and industrial isotopes.
ORNL is seeking a Director for the Nuclear and Radiological Protection Division (NRPD) to serve as the senior manager responsible for leading and managing the radiological engineering, technical, and radiological protection field operations support capabilities to ensure safe and compliant fulfilment of the nationally significant nuclear missions that support world-class research, development, and maintenance operations. In addition to line management and programmatic responsibilities, the NRPD Director provides technical leadership and advice to ORNL senior leadership and research and operations staff for evaluating enterprise levels of risk to nuclear mission-critical entities. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to ensure the highest levels of nuclear and radiological protection in a dynamic, innovative world-class research environment.
This position reports to the Director for the Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Authorized by the company to interpret regulatory standards and form radiological protection policy associated onsite/offsite activities within the framework of DOE expectations.
- Oversee the execution of the ORNL Radiation Protection and Accelerator Safety Programs in alignment with DOE Federal Regulations, Standards, Directives, and contractual requirements.
- Manage NRPD’s comprehensive material and facility assets for delivering a world-class radiation protection program including: radiobioassay in-vitro laboratories, radiation detection instrument calibration facility, in-vivo whole-body and lung counting facility, external dosimetry lab, and radiation safety training labs.
- Develops and executes business/resource plans that deliver a sound effective organizational strategy to meet a changing regulatory environment and nuclear mission growth.
- Regularly collaborates with DOE and senior leadership on radiological safety issues and emerging risks.
- Administers a framework of Contractor assurance processes and continuous improvement initiatives that includes independent and self-assessment to identify potential opportunities to improve the quality of radiological protection performance.
- Execute line management responsibilities including supervision of managers and staff, operating within the allocated budget, business plan preparation, salary planning, staff recruitment and development, employee relations, and performance management.
- 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:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, health physics, or related discipline.
- A minimum of 15 years of radiological protection or nuclear operations experience.
- A minimum of 7 years of line management experience leading a business unit or team of nuclear/radiation safety professionals.
- Previous experience developing corporate level policies and strategies.
- Active Certification by the American Board of Health Physics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A master’s degree or PhD with an emphasis in Health Physics.
- Experience working in a research and development environment (i.e., DOE National Laboratory) with research reactors, accelerator facilities, hot cell facilities, and research and development operations that use transuranic and non-typical radioisotopes.
- Proven public speaking and oral communication skills.
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
Special Requirements:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Q-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.
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.
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