Section Head, Neutron Instrument Technologies

Requisition Id 14264 

Overview:    

We are seeking a senior scientist or engineer to fill the role of Section Head for the Neutron Instrument Technologies (NIT) Section in the Neutron Technologies Division (NTD), Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).    

The NIT Section Head is a key member of the NTD Leadership Team, collaborating closely with the NTD Division Director and NIT Group Leaders. This role provides technical and cross-functional leadership in developing, deploying, and supporting state-of-the-art technologies across all neutron scattering beamlines at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). These facilities are operated as scientific user facilities on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy. 

The NIT Section Head will provide R&D and operational leadership across the following thematically aligned areas: 

• Instrument Development & Neutronics: developing new concepts for and validating performance of HFIR and SNS instruments, developing new moderator concepts and technologies, and providing radiation transport calculations. 

• Neutron Optics & Polarization: developing new devices and measuring techniques that employ neutron polarization, while supporting instruments in the user program with polarized beam operation. 

• Detectors: Developing and deploying new detector technologies and supporting instruments in the user program. 

• Data acquisition software and data acquisition hardware integration: developing, deploying, and supporting software and electronics hardware for acquiring data, controlling and monitoring instrument equipment, and the high-level user interfaces for conducting experiments. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Develop a vision and implement strategies for instrument technologies to strengthen the reliability of neutron instrument operations and enhance the impact of neutron scattering science. 

• Work with Group Leaders to establish, communicate, and measure critical metrics for success and impact.  

• Ensure that staff manage their projects effectively to deliver results on scope, schedule and budget while meeting technical and business expectations. 

• Build strong relationships within the directorate, ORNL-wide partnerships and with other user facilities and identify areas in which to collaborate. 

• 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 encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.  

Basic Qualifications: 

• An MS in physical sciences, computer sciences, or a related field, with 16 years of relevant technical experience; or a related PhD with 12 years of relevant experience. 

• Demonstrated track record in leading technical or research and development teams. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• PhD in physical sciences, computer sciences, or related field. 

• Experience in working at a large-scale scientific user facility. 

• Ability to function well in a fast-paced operational and R&D environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to constantly evolving needs. 

Letters of Recommendation: Final candidates will be asked to submit 3 reference letters.  

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 for certain positions. 

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.

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.