Job Description

Requisition Id 16743

­­Overview:

We are hiring a Senior Scientist and Group Leader to lead the Neutron & X‑Ray Scattering Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. We are interested in those that want to lead a high‑visibility group at a premier national laboratory, access global neutron and X‑ray facilities, and shape research that addresses critical energy and national priorities. You will have the opportunity to build a world‑class team, influence the field, and mentor the next generation of materials scientists. This role combines scientific leadership, program development, and hands‑on research using neutron and X‑ray scattering. The successful candidate will drive high‑impact science, build collaborative partnerships, and mentor a diverse team of researchers.

MSTD advances materials design, processing, and performance across metallic, ceramic, and composite systems. Our work supports multiple U.S. Department of Energy missions and other federal partners, delivering solutions that span basic discovery to applied engineering. The Neutron & X‑Ray Scattering Group contributes both fundamental insight into atomic‑scale behavior and applied studies that address real‑world challenges using both lab-based tools and international user facilities.

This unique opportunity allows you to intertwine science with leadership. As a research professional you will be expected to deliver impactful research, mentor staff and postdoctoral fellows and employ state-of-the-art technology and scattering techniques to develop solutions for sponsors. Applicants are encouraged from both the applied sciences and those performing fundamental research on materials at the atomic level.

As Group Leader you will shape the scientific vision for NXSG, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure excellence in research execution and safety. You will represent the group within MSTD and to external sponsors, secure funding, publish and present results, and cultivate a collaborative, inclusive environment that develops early‑career scientists.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Research Leadership

• Define and implement a cohesive research strategy that advances neutron and X‑ray scattering science and aligns with laboratory priorities.
• Lead and participate in high‑quality research projects focused on the laboratory’s neutron sources and complementary X‑ray capabilities.
• Drive publication of results in top peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at major conferences.

Program Development and Funding

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities; lead proposal development and manage sponsored projects.
• Build partnerships with industry, academia, national labs, and government agencies to expand the group’s impact and resources.

Team Building and Mentorship

• Recruit, hire, and retain talented scientists and technical staff.
• Mentor staff, postdoctoral fellows, and students; set clear performance expectations and support career development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.

Operational Excellence and Compliance

• Champion safety, security, and ethical research practices; ensure compliance with ORNL policies and ESH&Q standards.
• Maintain clear internal and external communications about scientific activities and outcomes.

Community Engagement

• Represent NXSG and MSTD at scientific meetings and stakeholder briefings.
• Translate technical results into actionable insights for sponsors and collaborators.
• 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:

• Requires a Ph.D. in material science and engineering, physics, or a related field with a minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience or a master’s degree with a minimum of 12 years of experience.
• Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams.
• Demonstrated publication & presentation record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10-year work history/experience in neutron and x-ray scattering.
• Scholarly Impact: Strong publication record and citation metrics that reflect scientific influence.
• Reputation: Recognized excellence in the field at national or international levels.
• Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Initiative and Collaboration: Proven ability to lead independently and to contribute creatively within cross‑disciplinary teams.
• Adaptability: Comfortable prioritizing multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment and responding to evolving sponsor needs.

Special Requirements:

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.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruit@ornl.gov

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

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.

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.