Earth Science Data Management Leader

Requisition Id 13598 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Data Management Leader to oversee and lead the NASA-funded Oak Ridge National Laboratory Distributed Active Archive Center for Biogeochemical Dynamics (ORNL DAAC). This position is within the Earth System Informatics and Data Discovery Section, which is part of ORNL’s Environmental Sciences Division (ESD). ESD is an interdisciplinary research and development organization with over 60 years of achievement in environmental research at local, regional, national, and international levels. Our mission is to expand scientific knowledge and develop innovative strategies and technologies that strengthen the nation's leadership in creating solutions to sustain the Earth’s natural resources.

The ORNL DAAC (https://daac.ornl.gov/) is a key component of NASA's Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) and is responsible for providing free and open access to data from NASA's Earth Science Missions. The successful candidate will lead a passionate multidisciplinary team with expertise in the Earth, data, information, software engineer, and computer sciences.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership and technical contributions to the field of Earth system informatics by performing independent research, development, and/or engineering on an ongoing basis.
• Develop, manage, and provide leadership and technical execution of research and development programs that deliver integrated data products, data delivery systems, and data analysis tools.
• Develop and implement a vision for data publication, management, and distribution using cutting-edge data tools, services, and technologies.
• Formulate long-term plans for evolving operational responsibilities within the ORNL DAAC.
• Collaborate closely with key personnel in NASA’s Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Project, NASA HQ sponsors, and the NASA Terrestrial Ecology and Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems communities to establish requirements, goals, and deliverables.
• Foster connections with the terrestrial ecology community, both within and outside of NASA, to ensure appropriate levels of service and tools for data discovery, access, and analysis.
• Proactively develop new opportunities by implementing an ORNL data strategy and representing the project to NASA, DOE, and other government agencies.
• Foster collaboration across ORNL to maximize the project’s benefits by leveraging institutional strengths, while also contributing to ORNL's growth and the development of new, innovative capabilities.
• Lead and manage the ORNL DAAC through organizational changes and restructuring, ensuring smooth transitions and continuous alignment with strategic goals.
• Drive change management initiatives to support the evolution and restructuring of the ORNL DAAC, including the adoption of new processes, technologies, and organizational structures.
• Engage and communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to facilitate change and minimize disruption during periods of restructuring.
• Manage a diverse team that includes senior and junior researchers, postdoctoral researchers, technical professionals, and administrative staff.
• Review, evaluate, document, and report annual staff performance, while supporting and fostering professional development.
• Support recruitment and hiring to expand group capabilities.
• Maintain a strong commitment to upholding values and ethics within the team.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace- in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in a science or engineering discipline with 15+ years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated experience as an individual contributor in a science or engineering application area relevant to Earth science informatics.
• Demonstrated experience in leading diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in an earth science or engineering discipline with 6+ years of relevant work experience, a MS degree in a science or engineering discipline with 9+ years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing small and medium-sized projects.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams designing, implementing, and operating data and informatics systems.
• Extensive experience with Earth observation data, particularly field and/or airborne observational data.
• Strong track record in establishing project vision, goals, and alignment with sponsor expectations and organizational goals.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team, thrive in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks effectively, and adapt to changing needs.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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 or call 1.866.963.9545.

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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.

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.