Requisition Id13131

Overview:

We are seeking an R&D Group Leader for the Functional Hybrid Nanomaterials (FHN) Group within the Nanomaterials Synthesis Section at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS). The CNMS provides national and international user community access to expertise and equipment for a broad range of nanoscience research, including nanomaterials synthesis, nanofabrication, imaging/microscopy/characterization, and theory/modeling/simulation. The selected group leader will be part of the Nanomaterials Synthesis Section, which develops and applies state-of-the-art synthesis and diagnostics methods to understand growth mechanisms and function of complex materials in support of the CNMS user program and in-house theme science. Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and education.

The FHN group synthesizes and characterizes 2D materials and thin films, as well as hybrid architectures by a variety of techniques. Synthesis and processing methods include pulsed laser deposition (PLD), chemical vapor deposition and transport (CVD, CVT), exfoliation of 2D materials and atmospherically controlled stamping, and other techniques such as Sonospray.The group specializes in optical spectroscopy of nanomaterials, and methods to employ these as in situ diagnostics of a material's structure and properties during synthesis in response to controlled environments, catalytic reactions, or optical and electrical stimulus. The in situ diagnostic data acquired during synthesis is used to develop growth models for carbon nanotubes, graphene, TMD 2D materials, Janus monolayers, and thin films. The group is heavily involved in automating synthesis incorporating in situ diagnostics and characterization to enable the development AI/ML approaches for autonomous synthesis. Signature automated PLD facilities incorporate in situ RHEED, XPS/XPD, Raman spectroscopy, and data acquisition.

Purpose:

The group leader will provide R&D leadership to the group that strategically advances science and technology consistent with ORNL's position as a premier R&D institution and ORNL's science culture. At the CNMS, the group leader will work with staff across the Center to simultaneously cultivate and grow new and ongoing areas of scientific research as well as identify new capabilities that meet the demands of our user community.

The R&D group leader brings together a group of peers with the primary goal of pursuing global scientific leadership in their field, nurtures ORNL's culture among group members, and continues to build and scale up individual excellence and impact in R&D. The R&D group leader reports to and works closely with the R&D section head and division director to implement the group's scientific vision; develops group members to enable their career advancement; establishes capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one's respective specialty; sets, implements, and models standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated-a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.

Research:

Scientists are recognized leaders in their area of technical expertise. The group leader initiates, leads, and performs independent R&D on an ongoing basis.

Leadership:

• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects to position the group for future success. This strategy should also emphasize staff engagement in CNMS in-house theme science efforts
• Ensure the success of the CNMS user program through a strategic balance of new capabilities and staff expertise within the group
• Develop and implement plans to exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts
• Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group's strategy and members' long-term career goals. Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner
• Provide relevant input to assist the R&D section head with staff development while providing direct and impactful guidance to staff on a regular basis
• Group leaders are a critical part of the CNMS Leadership Team and as such, provide continuous input regarding the future directions of the Center, including staffing, equipment, and science directions
• Attract a quality, diverse pool of top candidates and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field
• Lead by example by exercising the principles in ORNL's "Research Code of Conduct" as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research
• Coach and mentor staff regarding Battelle's "Safe Conduct of Research" principles
• Lead ESH&Q by example and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures
• Exemplify a commitment to ORNL Core Values by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab

Service:

• Serve as immediate supervisor for staff members in group
• Encourage and support staff to "think and dream big," take appropriate risks in their work, and develop skills that will enable them to pursue new ideas, scientific passions, and research programs
• Advance the reputation of the group members and standing of the group through establishing collaborations, Professional Society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events
• Support group members by consistently reviewing technical products such as proposals, publications, and artifacts to ensure high quality and consistency with ORNL standards
• Build strong teams across CNMS and ORNL
• Connect staff to your scientific network and professional societies
• Hold regular scientific/technical group meetings and be visible in the labs and workplace
• Assume front-line responsibility for safety in the group's laboratory; mentor and empower the Laboratory Space Managers to create a strong safety culture
• Effectively communicate the importance of protecting proprietary or sensitive information and complying with ORNL cybersecurity policies and guidelines

Accountabilities :

• To group staff, for the quality and safety of their work environment and opportunity for professional growth
• To R&D section head and CNMS division director for world-leading science and technology directions; safe, effective, and compliant operations; ownership of assigned staff, facilities, and equipment; and the quality of products and services
• To customer, for the quality of products and service

Authorities:

• Develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading science and technology directions for the R&D group and contribute to the success and strategy of the CNMS
• Hold staff accountable for performance
• Act to ensure safe and effective operations
• Hire staff consistent with the priorities of the CNMS
• Certify the technical quality of the group's products and services

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field
• A minimum of 6 years relevant experience, including demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in synthesis and diagnostic methods
• Compelling record of scientific accomplishment within nanomaterials synthesis

Special Requirements:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruiting@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented 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, 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 .

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.

Nearest Major Market: Knoxville