Section Head - Research and Operations Integration Section

Requisition Id 17349 

Overview:

The Radioisotope Science and Technology Division (RSTD) of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks applications for a Section Head for the Research and Operations Integration Section. Supporting the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy Isotope Program, RSTD executes a research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) portfolio focused on the production, applications, and fundamental properties of radioisotopes. RSTD works with rare and valuable radionuclides including several alpha emitting radioisotopes either deployed or under clinical trial for treatment of cancer (e.g., Ac-225, Ac-227); heavy actinides Bk-249, Es-254, and Fm-257 for fundamental chemistry research and new element discovery; Pm-147, Se-75, and Ir-192 for industrial manufacturing and inspection; C-14 for biological radiotracers; Cf-252 for neutron emitting applications; and Pu-238 for space exploration. Work in RSTD takes place in specialized nuclear and radiological facilities, including radiological fume hoods, gloveboxes, and heavily shielded hot cells.

The Research and Operations Integration Section plays a major role in the interface between research and operations, supporting technical maturation for large scale radiochemical processing, implementing materials accountability programs, process improvements to enhance facility utilization, and coordinating integration of Environmental, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) initiatives. Reporting to the RSTD Director, the Section Head will provide division-wide support for the strategic advancement of the division RD&D portfolio. They will ensure work is executed throughout the division in compliance with the conduct of work, and that strategic technical maturation is built into all projects. They will ensure resources, such as hot cells, laboratory spaces, and instrumentation, are optimally allocated to projects. They will serve as a liaison between RSTD and matrixed support, including Quality Assurance, Radiological Protection, and Environmental Safety and Health, ensuring the appropriate development, implementation, and effectiveness of ESH&Q Programs supporting multiple projects.

The Research and Operations Integration Section Head will oversee two groups focused on optimizing and enabling effective work within the division.

The Process Coordination Group develops material processing campaign plans and optimizes the integrated work schedule for the high-demand facilities, balancing competing priorities of isotope production, research and development, liquid waste management, and maintenance.

The Project Integration and Material Accountability Group ensures the optimal and compliant use of laboratory capabilities, including workflow mapping, and optimizing material and waste movement. Staff provide issues management and ESH&Q support, spearhead knowledge and information management activities, and oversee nuclear material accountability programs.

This position works closely with all RSTD line and program management to ensure the identified systems and capabilities which support organizational, program, and project objectives are developed and maintained. They will work to build a culture focused on execution of work at the highest quality and reliability, so that ORNL can be successful in meeting our mission to supply critical nuclear materials for science, medicine, and industry, that no one else can.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Division Director, Section Heads, Group Leads, and Program Managers, to establish and implement the research and operations integration systems for the Division.
• Interface with Division Directors, and Chief Operating Operators, from other divisions and directorates to ensure seamless implementation of matrix support.
• Oversee a team of scientists and engineers focused on effective and compliant use of division resources
• Identify areas for process improvements and provide viable solutions
• Actively contribute to shaping the Division’s research plans and investments.

• Collaborate with division and program management to implement the technical maturation process and ensure consistency of application across projects.
• Support internal and external assessments.
• Record findings and recommendations and assist with managing corrective actions.
• Supervise Group Leaders as a line manager while also serving as a mentor to junior staff across the Division and Directorate.
• Ensure section has sufficient resources to execute mission requirements.
• Ensure operations related upsets and/or abnormal conditions are properly evaluated to determine potential impacts to safety basis and production commitments, if occurrence reporting is necessary, and what corrective actions are necessary to prevent recurrence
• Ensure work is executed compliantly in accordance with the Standards-Based Management System (SBMS) and applicable internal operating procedures (IOPs).
• Lead staff to work safely by spending time in work areas coaching, mentoring, and reinforcing expectations.
• Ensure timely notification and escalation of operational events to the Division Director, Facility Manager, and other appropriate leadership of incidents, occurrences, and other actions or activities, as required.
• Maintaining a culture consistent with the ORNL principles for a strong safety culture.
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging lessons learned and operational experience to refine production strategies, improve performance, and reduce risk.
• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a relevant technical field with at least 12 years’ experience in a complex research or operations environment, an MS with 10 years’ relevant experience, or a PhD with 7 years’ relevant experience.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize actions
• Demonstrated line management experience leading small to medium teams
• Understanding of project management fundamentals
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal oversight
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a DOE nuclear facility or similar highly regulated environment
• Experience in technical maturation of complex manufacturing processes and application of a graded approach.

Special Requirements: 

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

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.

Relocation: Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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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.

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.