Associate Laboratory Director, Fundamental Sciences
PNNL, Richland, WA, United States
Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for Fundamental Sciences
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a bold, visionary leader as the next Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for Fundamental Sciences. The ALD for Fundamental Sciences is responsible for providing inspirational leadership and direction, shaping its strategic vision and driving excellence in science and technology. The ALD sets the vision and direction for the directorate and integrates its capabilities with PNNL's broader mission goals. With the merger of our Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate and Physical and Computational Science Directorate, the new organization will represent the breadth of PNNL's scientific discovery work in computational and fundamental sciences. The directorate has approximately 900 staff and an annual budget of $335 million. The ALD reports directly to the Laboratory Director and serves as a key member of the Laboratory Leadership Team (LLT). The ALD leads a talented workforce and oversees distinct capabilities within the directorate, spanning Earth and biological sciences research, such as atmospheric science and environmental molecular science, as well as physical and computational sciences, including catalysis, chemical physics, geochemistry, and materials science. In addition, the ALD is responsible for two Department of Energy national scientific user facilities: the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility. A core responsibility of the ALD is to grow the next generation of scientific leaders, ensuring PNNL is contributing to new scientific discoveries that will transform our future. This position fosters collaboration and effective communication across PNNL and with other national laboratories, academia and industry partners to ensure the attainment of scientific and technical objectives. This position is accountable for obtaining programmatic funding, achieving financial targets, and overseeing the operational success of the directorate in partnership with technical leaders from across the Laboratory. The ALD is responsible for building relationships with key stakeholders across the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, other federal sponsors, state funding agencies, business and industry partners, research groups, and elected officials. Responsibilities
Vision and Strategic Direction:
Define and implement strategic objectives that align with the Laboratory's mission and vision, with a focus on growing funding, expanding impactful programs, and positioning the Directorate for long-term national relevance. Partner with the Laboratory Director, the Laboratory Leadership Team, and other stakeholders to shape PNNL's institutional science and technology (S&T) strategy. People and Culture:
Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive workforce by nurturing scientific, technical, managerial talent; foster a culture of excellence; and grow the next-generation of leaders. Promote collaboration across PNNL, other DOE laboratories, and Battelle to support knowledge sharing joint initiatives. Program and Business Development:
Anticipate emerging programmatic needs, market trends, and identify new opportunities to develop and evolve a sustainable, forward-looking business strategy that advances DOE missions and national priorities. Operational Stewardship:
Ensure the Directorate's operations are conducted safely, securely, and responsibly, in alignment with regulatory requirements, environmental stewardship, and internal performance standards. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:
Cultivate strategic, influential relationships with external stakeholders, including the DOE, federal and state funding agencies, industry partners, research groups, and government officials at all levels to strengthen collaboration and drive collective impact. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to influence, make decisions, and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to develop and sustain sponsor, government, academic, and industry partnerships that advance objectives. Ability to lead transformative organizational change and inspire teams around a shared strategic vision. Ability to maintain strong awareness of sponsor priorities and market direction with an outward-facing engagement mindset. Ability to provide effective leadership and management in a complex science and technology environment. Ability to set strategic direction, attract research and development funding, and build collaborations with federal agencies, universities, and industry partners. Knowledge of national research trends and evolving science and technology landscape, with the flexibility to align PNNL's capabilities accordingly. Knowledge of and commitment to employing best practices in human performance improvement, safety, quality, security, environment, health, and diversity. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Advanced degree with 18+ years responsible experience, including a combination of leadership and relevant technical experience. Preferred Qualifications: PhD degree in science or engineering preferred. 10 years of line management and/or significant technical program management experience. Proven track record in developing, leading, and managing fundamental or computational science programs for a diverse sponsor base particularly in a DOE National Laboratory or other complex setting. Proven experience leading strategically and developing creative, innovative solutions in a complex, multidisciplinary technical organization with significant fiscal and programmatic responsibilities. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Position involves frequent domestic and occasional international travel. Additional Information
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct. Requirements: U.S. Citizenship Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B. Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP). Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington Statethe dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov. Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a bold, visionary leader as the next Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for Fundamental Sciences. The ALD for Fundamental Sciences is responsible for providing inspirational leadership and direction, shaping its strategic vision and driving excellence in science and technology. The ALD sets the vision and direction for the directorate and integrates its capabilities with PNNL's broader mission goals. With the merger of our Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate and Physical and Computational Science Directorate, the new organization will represent the breadth of PNNL's scientific discovery work in computational and fundamental sciences. The directorate has approximately 900 staff and an annual budget of $335 million. The ALD reports directly to the Laboratory Director and serves as a key member of the Laboratory Leadership Team (LLT). The ALD leads a talented workforce and oversees distinct capabilities within the directorate, spanning Earth and biological sciences research, such as atmospheric science and environmental molecular science, as well as physical and computational sciences, including catalysis, chemical physics, geochemistry, and materials science. In addition, the ALD is responsible for two Department of Energy national scientific user facilities: the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility. A core responsibility of the ALD is to grow the next generation of scientific leaders, ensuring PNNL is contributing to new scientific discoveries that will transform our future. This position fosters collaboration and effective communication across PNNL and with other national laboratories, academia and industry partners to ensure the attainment of scientific and technical objectives. This position is accountable for obtaining programmatic funding, achieving financial targets, and overseeing the operational success of the directorate in partnership with technical leaders from across the Laboratory. The ALD is responsible for building relationships with key stakeholders across the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, other federal sponsors, state funding agencies, business and industry partners, research groups, and elected officials. Responsibilities
Vision and Strategic Direction:
Define and implement strategic objectives that align with the Laboratory's mission and vision, with a focus on growing funding, expanding impactful programs, and positioning the Directorate for long-term national relevance. Partner with the Laboratory Director, the Laboratory Leadership Team, and other stakeholders to shape PNNL's institutional science and technology (S&T) strategy. People and Culture:
Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive workforce by nurturing scientific, technical, managerial talent; foster a culture of excellence; and grow the next-generation of leaders. Promote collaboration across PNNL, other DOE laboratories, and Battelle to support knowledge sharing joint initiatives. Program and Business Development:
Anticipate emerging programmatic needs, market trends, and identify new opportunities to develop and evolve a sustainable, forward-looking business strategy that advances DOE missions and national priorities. Operational Stewardship:
Ensure the Directorate's operations are conducted safely, securely, and responsibly, in alignment with regulatory requirements, environmental stewardship, and internal performance standards. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:
Cultivate strategic, influential relationships with external stakeholders, including the DOE, federal and state funding agencies, industry partners, research groups, and government officials at all levels to strengthen collaboration and drive collective impact. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to influence, make decisions, and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to develop and sustain sponsor, government, academic, and industry partnerships that advance objectives. Ability to lead transformative organizational change and inspire teams around a shared strategic vision. Ability to maintain strong awareness of sponsor priorities and market direction with an outward-facing engagement mindset. Ability to provide effective leadership and management in a complex science and technology environment. Ability to set strategic direction, attract research and development funding, and build collaborations with federal agencies, universities, and industry partners. Knowledge of national research trends and evolving science and technology landscape, with the flexibility to align PNNL's capabilities accordingly. Knowledge of and commitment to employing best practices in human performance improvement, safety, quality, security, environment, health, and diversity. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Advanced degree with 18+ years responsible experience, including a combination of leadership and relevant technical experience. Preferred Qualifications: PhD degree in science or engineering preferred. 10 years of line management and/or significant technical program management experience. Proven track record in developing, leading, and managing fundamental or computational science programs for a diverse sponsor base particularly in a DOE National Laboratory or other complex setting. Proven experience leading strategically and developing creative, innovative solutions in a complex, multidisciplinary technical organization with significant fiscal and programmatic responsibilities. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Position involves frequent domestic and occasional international travel. Additional Information
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct. Requirements: U.S. Citizenship Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B. Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP). Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington Statethe dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov. Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with