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Group Leader, Alloy Behavior and Design

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Nov 04, 2025

Requisition Id15533

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Group Leader to lead groundbreaking research within an area of Alloy Behavior and Design (ABAD). This position resides in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD), at ORNL.

MSTD is central to ORNL's world-leading research and development of innovative design, processing, and tailoring of materials across metallic, ceramic, and composite systems. The Alloy Behavior and Design research in MSTD supports missions for multiple program offices within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), including: Office of Science, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, and other government departments and agencies.

This unique opportunity allows you to intertwine science with leadership. As a Group Leader, you will be part MSTD's Leadership Team, providing leadership to and mentor group members including research staff, technical staff, post-doctoral fellows, and students. You will be responsible for promoting and maintaining a culture with high ideals for safety, security and ethics. As a science leader, you will lead multi-disciplinary and multi-organizational teams to develop world-leading research programs, execute cutting-edge research projects and communicate project results to the international research community. As a researcher, you will employ state-of-the-art technology and research techniques to develop solutions for sponsors above.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • 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.
  • Participate/ lead in the initiation of new research directions and development of research proposals to contend for internal and external funding.
  • Lead collaboration with other scientists and technical personnel in a fast-paced, flexible work environment.
  • Attract a high-quality pool of candidates and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field.
  • 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.
  • Certify the technical quality of the group's products and services.
  • Provide relevant input to assist the Division Leadership Team with staff development while providing direct and impactful mentorship to staff on regular basis.
  • Lead by example by exercising the principles in ORNL's "Research Code of Conduct" as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
  • Lead ESH&Q by example and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Advance the reputation of the group and its members through establishing collaborations, Professional Society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events.
  • Maintain effective communications concerning scientific efforts internal and external to the laboratory, including publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of results at scientific meetings.
  • Travel will be required to brief sponsors, conduct field exercises, and attend scientific conferences.
  • 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:

  • A Ph.D. degree in materials science and engineering or a related field.
  • A minimum of 6 years of professional research experience.
  • Proven experience leading R&D and/or technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Scientific productivity and impact proven by a full list of publications and commonly accepted citation metrics
    International reputation of excellence in area of expertise.
  • Track record of successful program and/or proposal development.
  • 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:

  • Export control, no clearance:This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
  • Visa Sponsorship:Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
  • For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
  • Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
  • To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

  • If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
  • Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

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.

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.

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.

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