Research Accelerator Division Director

Requisition Id 15069 

Overview:  

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as the Director of the Research Accelerator Division (RAD) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). This role includes line management responsibility for the division, oversight of the Operations Field Work Proposal budget, and serving as the SNS Operations Manager. Reporting directly to the Neutron Sciences Associate Laboratory Director, the successful candidate will guide an organization of approximately 240 staff, oversee an annual budget of around $104 million, and drive key technical initiatives to sustain ORNL’s leadership in high-power hadron linear accelerators. This position also plays a critical role in supporting world-class neutron scattering science and advancing the lab’s core capabilities in accelerator science and technology.

The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) operates the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world's most intense pulsed accelerator-based neutron source, and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the United States' highest flux reactor-based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 30+ instruments for neutron scattering and basic nuclear physics research, each year carrying out an excess of 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and neutron irradiation. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL go to: http://neutrons.ornl.gov. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

•         Lead the Research Accelerator Division through effective line management, including supervision of technical section heads, workforce planning, performance management, budgeting, staffing, and employee relations.
•         Develop and execute strategies to ensure high availability and performance of the SNS accelerator complex, including increasing beam power, improving reliability, and sustaining related test facility infrastructure.
•         Attract, retain, and develop a highly skilled technical workforce to support ORNL’s mission in accelerator science and technology.
•         Oversee and support accelerator operations in service of world-leading neutron scattering science.
•         Manage technical resources and infrastructure supporting the accelerator complex and associated facilities.
•         Lead development of the division’s annual Integrated Work Plan (IWP), aligning technical goals with the broader Directorate Business Plan.
•         Collaborate on the Neutron Sciences Directorate IWP and manage budgets allocated from the DOE Operations Field Work Proposal, ensuring priorities are met and financial plans are integrated.
•         Oversee integrated maintenance and outage planning to support safe and efficient accelerator operations.
•         Track, assess, and report performance metrics to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.
•         Periodically convene the Accelerator Advisory Committee and manage responses to external and internal reviews.
•         Represent the division and directorate in reviews, technical meetings, advisory committees, and professional forums, including conferences and invited talks.
•         Serve as acting Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) when requested.
•         Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations, including the Accelerator Safety Order and Safety Basis Documentation (ASE).
•         Oversee the safe, reliable operation of the accelerator complex, test facilities, and critical support systems.
•         Manage the SNS operating schedule with input from a dedicated scheduling committee.
•         Address and resolve recommendations from the SNS Radiation Safety Committee and ensure compliance with Instrument Systems Safety Committee processes.
•         Lead the triennial external Accelerator Systems Safety Committee review process.
•         Implement standardized business practices as directed by the Directorate Office, COO, and Chief Engineer.
•         Ensure compliance with, and leadership for, 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, or a related field.
•    At least 15 years of experience successfully managing at least one of the following:
  •      An accelerator technical group
  •      The operation of an accelerator facility
  •      A substantial accelerator-related technical project
•         Recognized leadership in accelerator operations, science, and technology.
•         Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

•         Track record of fostering productive team dynamics and professional working relationships.
•         Experience interacting with national or international review committees, advisory groups, or stakeholders.
•         Familiarity with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operations, safety regulations, or Field Work Proposal processes.

Benefits at ORNL:  

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available.

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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.

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.