Section Head - Spectroscopy 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) Jul 08, 2026 Requisition Id16739

Overview:

We are seeking a Section Head for Spectroscopy in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) atOak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL). The Spectroscopy Section leads the development of neutron spectroscopy methods across 10 instruments at both the High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source enabling research in areas such as quantum materials, energy-related materials, soft matter, complex fluids, and biology. The section currently comprises three groups (Chemical Spectroscopy, Direct Geometry, and Triple-Axis) and oversees the instruments BASIS, CNCS, HYSPEC, VISION, SEQUOIA, ARCS, PTAX, VERITAS, TAX, and CTAX.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Lead the development and execution of a world-class scientific vision for the Spectroscopy Section, including instrument capabilities and user program strategy. Partner with the Division Director and section Group Leaders to establish priorities, allocate resources, and drive scientific excellence across all three groups. Oversee a leading user program, ensuring users benefit from the highest quality research capabilities and scientific support across all section instruments. Manage section Group Leaders, including hiring, performance evaluation, succession planning, and career development. Actively pursue and communicate funding and proposal opportunities; support staff in proposal development and budget preparation. As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here:https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity. 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 PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience. Demonstrated experience leading R D teams and supporting a user program at a national or international user facility. Established track record of performing neutron scattering research or closely related work using large-scale user facility instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Expertise in neutron spectroscopy methods, including data analysis techniques and the use of advanced sample environments. Experience managing multiple research groups or cross-functional scientific teams. Strong record of external scientific recognition, proposal success, and engagement with professional societies or advisory boards.

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.

AboutORNL:

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking 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 includethe 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available. 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. 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.