Energy Material Sciences, Group Manager

Leadership Competencies

Technical credibility — deep, current expertise in at least one core area of energy materials science, with the breadth to engage knowledgeably across the group's full portfolio.

People leadership — ability to recruit talent, develop researchers into technical leaders, create psychological safety, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Portfolio judgment — ability to prioritize across multiple materials domains and technology readiness levels, and to make resourcing calls that connect science to mission need.

Collaborative matrix leadership — skill in working through peer relationships across ESE's other groups and SRNL's broader program office structure, navigating ambiguity, and building alignment without direct authority.

Business and operational acumen — comfort with budgets, metrics, and performance management; ability to connect resources to outcomes.

External relationship building — ability to establish trust and credibility with DOE sponsors, industry, and university partners; skill in translating relationships into funded work.

Founding-group mindset — comfort building structures, processes, and norms for a group still taking shape, and documenting decisions and rationale for those who come after.

Integrity and unwavering commitment to safety — personal integrity that sets the tone for the group; zero tolerance for shortcuts on safety, quality, or ethical conduct.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, chemistry, physics, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Significant progressive experience in materials research and research leadership, including direct management or mentorship of technical staff. Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience.

• Deep technical credibility in at least one energy materials domain — nuclear fuel cycle and radiological/actinide materials, fusion or extreme-environment materials, intermetallic or nanoscale materials for advanced manufacturing, or critical minerals and rare earth processing — with the intellectual breadth to engage across adjacent domains.

• Demonstrated commitment to and accountability for safety in a research environment, including laboratory and characterization work; experience in complex or radiological settings is a plus.

• Track record of developing technical talent and cultivating the next generation of research leaders.

• Proven ability to work effectively in matrix environments, partnering with peer leaders and sponsors to align direction and execute missions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to represent the group credibly to sponsors, DOE leadership, external partners, and internal staff.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a DOE national laboratory, federal research environment, or comparable mission-driven research organization.

Direct research or applied experience in one or more of: nuclear fuel cycle or actinide/radiological materials, fusion or plasma-facing materials, materials for extreme environments, intermetallic or magnetic materials, nanomaterials and advanced characterization, additive manufacturing materials, or critical minerals and rare earth separations and processing.

Established relationships with relevant DOE program offices (e.g., Critical Minerals and Materials, Fusion Energy Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Environmental Management) and credibility in the relevant national research communities.

Experience building and cultivating strategic partnerships with industry, universities, and other national laboratories.

Track record of growing a research portfolio and securing external funding, including competitive proposals and industry-sponsored work.

Experience contributing to or standing up a new group, program, or research area within a larger organization.