Group Leader electron Microscopy & MicroAnalysis (eMMA) Group

Job description

Requisition Id 15306 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking an R&D Group Leader for the electron Microscopy & MicroAnalysis (eMMA) Group within the Nanomaterials Characterization Section at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS).

As a US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility, the CNMS provides the national and international user community access to expertise and state-of-the-art instrumentation for a broad range of nanoscience research, including nanomaterials synthesis, nanofabrication, imaging/microscopy/characterization, data analytics, and theory/modeling/simulation.

The selected group leader will lead the CNMS eMMA Group, which advances cutting-edge electron microscopy and spectroscopy methods and integrates AI/ML methods into experimental platforms.

Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, reputation in the field, and education.

The eMMA group develops and delivers advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy capabilities that provide the foundation for fundamental understanding of materials structure, composition, and behavior.

Staff members in eMMA have expertise in high-resolution structural imaging via scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), focused ion beam (FIB), multiple in situ microscopy methods, atomic manipulation, and atom probe tomography (APT).

Staff lead scientific research focused on quantum-materials, soft-matter systems, and energy materials systems (e.g., fuel cells, catalysis, batteries) and importantly on new technique development and implantation, thereby advancing DOE’s broad fundamental research and development goals.

In addition to experiments at CNMS we also work closely with experimentalists in the neutron science facilities and across other science divisions at ORNL, including leveraging DOE’s leadership computing capabilities for theory and large-scale simulations.

Purpose:

The eMMA 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 eMMA R&D group leader brings together a group of internationally recognized peers, with the primary goal of pursuing global scientific leadership in the fields of STEM/EELS, Cryo-EM, and APT, 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 growth and advancement; establishes microscopy 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 the field; sets, implements and models standards for performance of work consistent with ORNL’s Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures an 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 resources and existing new 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 for 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 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 all staff members in the group.
• Encourage and support staff to “think outside the box,” 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 workplace.
• 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 CNMS Leadership Team, 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 customers and users, 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 eMMA group and contribute to the success and strategy of the CNMS.
• Hold staff accountable for performance.
• Act together with Center staff and leadership 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 fields such as Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in a relevant field
• Demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in the microscopy field.
• Compelling record of scientific accomplishment in microscopy.

• 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:

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.  

Letters of Recommendation:

Please be prepared to provide three letters of reference upon request.

 

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: .

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.

Required Skill Profession

Life Scientists