Section Head, Human Dynamics

Requisition Id 14875 

Overview:  

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.

We are seeking a Human Dynamics Section Head who will drive global research leadership through National Laboratory-scale programs that deliver human and energy security. The Section Head will serve as the chief scientist for human dynamics R&D within the Geospatial Science and Human Security Division. This role will establish and execute a science vision sustaining and growing ORNL’s leadership in human dynamics, including population modeling, mobility analytics, geospatial data modeling and conflation, and critical infrastructure risk and resilience modeling. The Section Head will serve as a member of the Division leadership team, with line management and supervisory responsibilities. Additionally, the Section Head will be responsible for business/program development aligned to Division strategy and National Security Sciences Directorate priorities, as well as successful program execution, development of scientific artifacts, and mission impact.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop, align, and execute an R&D strategy that sustains and grows ORNL’s impacts as a global leader in human dynamics research.

• Lead science programs to successfully deliver novel solutions for government sponsors as well as research artifacts that accelerate the careers of ORNL scientists.

• Lead and support new business/program development initiatives aligned to organizational strategy, including developing proposals, white papers/concept papers, pitch briefings, and other supporting materials to establish new research programs at the lab.

• Supervise 4-6 Group Leaders, who serve as first-line supervisors to science staff, while also serving as a mentor to junior staff across the Division.

• Continuously demonstrate science leadership through leading large teams to execute your science vision on R&D programs, producing novel research artifacts (publications, patents, datasets, software/code releases/transitions, etc.), and being the trusted, go-to representative for human dynamics challenges within the federal government.

• Represent ORNL, the Geospatial Science and Human Security Division, and our Human Dynamics research agenda through a visible public presence, including conference presentations, vision papers, and professional society leadership and participation.

• Regularly engage with government sponsors to track R&D priorities, program health, and mission needs, for continual section alignment with sponsor needs.

• Develop and sustain partnerships inside and outside the lab, including academic and industry partnerships, with a priority on establishing program collaborations that raise the profile and impact of all participating institutions.

• Support the Division and Directorate leadership teams through leading and participating in strategic initiatives, briefings, and visits to the laboratory.

• Nurture a positive, innovative, agile, and inclusive culture within the Human Dynamics Section.

• All team members 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. with a minimum of 12+ years relevant experience, a M.S. with a minimum of 16+ years’ experience, or a B.S. with 20+ years of experience, with a degree focus on geography, GIScience, data science, computer science, applied math or statistics, or a related degree.

• Deep commitment to the national security mission and practical experience with R&D in support of national security.

• Current experience leading large programs (teams/budgets) to deliver capabilities to government sponsors.

• Deep awareness of the global landscape of human dynamics, geospatial information science, spatiotemporal analytics, and artificial intelligence, with demonstrated expertise and current experience operating within and across these science domains.

• Demonstrated track record of leadership in geospatial information science, with sustained impacts across the discipline and community.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated leadership ability and a strong commitment to a teaming environment.

• Experience managing and supervising diverse sets of staff within a research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in the GEOINT domain.

• Track record of developing and nurturing science programs from concept to fruition.

• Track record of successful science and technology transitions from research to operations.

• Familiarity with the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and successfully operating in a classified programs environment.

• Track record of building multi-institutional partnerships to deliver science and program outcomes.

• Familiarity with DOE National Lab ecosystem and operating model.

• High adaptability to new research and program areas, changing mission priorities, and transitioning/scaling scientific breakthroughs.

• 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 research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

• HSPD-12 PIV badge: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

• SCI Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. 

• Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL:

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.

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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.