Group Leader, Remote Sensing and Environmental Informatics

Requisition Id 15631 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking data management leader for our world class earth and environmental data centers in the Environmental Sciences Division. ESD is an interdisciplinary research and development organization with more than 75 years of achievement in local, regional, national, and international environmental research. Our vision is to expand scientific knowledge and develop innovative strategies and technologies that will strengthen the nation’s leadership in creating solutions to help sustain the 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 interface and the consequences of alternative energy and environmental strategies.

This leadership role will serve as the Group Leader for the Remote Sensing and Environmental Informatics (RESI) Group. The group’s mission is to build world-class capabilities in scientific data management and data intelligence, with a focus on researching and developing advanced data-management technologies, metadata informatics, and scalable solutions to support large-scale environmental data programs. A cornerstone of the group’s work is the NASA-funded ORNL Distributed Active Archive Center (ORNL DAAC), a key component of NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). The ORNL DAAC provides open access to ecological and biogeochemical data from NASA Earth Science missions and delivers rigorous data archival, innovative product development, global data distribution, and comprehensive user support.

In addition to its data-center responsibilities, the RESI Group advances both ecosystem and hydroinformatics research by integrating field observations, airborne and satellite remote-sensing data, hydrologic and environmental measurements, and advanced computational models. These integrated data and analytical capabilities provide critical insights into how ecosystems respond to environmental change and empower global research communities that depend on high-quality, accessible environmental data.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

Research:

• Scientists/engineers/analysts are recognized leaders in their area of technical expertise. Initiates, leads and performs independent R&D on an ongoing basis.

Leadership:

• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing data programs to position the group for future success.
• Work closely with data program PIs for identifying and addressing data lifecycle, metadata workflow and other data management needs
• Develop and implement plans to exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts.
• Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals. Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner.
• Mentor, coach, and develop staff including promoting staff for career advancement and opportunities
• Provide relevant input to assist the Section Head with staff development while providing direct and impactful guidance to staff on regular basis.
• Attract a quality, diverse pool of top candidates and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field.
• Represent ORNL and programs to sponsors and external stakeholders
• Exemplify a commitment to lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.

Service:

• Serve as immediate supervisor for staff members in group.
• Advance the reputation of the group members and standing of the group as a whole through establishing collaborations, Professional Society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events.
• Support group members by consistently reviewing technical products such as proposals, publications, data and software releases, and artifacts to ensure high quality and consistency with ORNL standards.
• Connect staff to your scientific/technical network and professional societies.
• Hold regular technical group meetings and be visible in the labs and workplace.

Accountabilities:

• To group staff, for the quality and safety of their work environment and opportunity for professional growth.
• To section head and PIs, for world-leading data management and technology directions, safe effective, and compliant operations, ownership of assigned staff, facilities, and equipment, and the quality of products and services.
• To stakeholders and customers, for the quality of products and service.

Authorities:

• Develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading data science and technology directions for the group.
• Hold staff accountable for performance.
• Act to ensure safe and effective operations.
• Hire staff based on the supporting project needs.
• Certify the technical quality of the group’s products and services.

Basic Qualifications:

• Requires a PhD with a minimum of six years of relevant experience, a MS with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, or a BS with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience.
• Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading diverse teams that manage complex scientific data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent written 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 operations environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs to achieve operational excellence.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

• If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.

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.