Section Head - Sample Environment & Labs

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN, USA

Posted on Jul 25, 2026

Requisition Id 16839

Overview:

We are seeking a Section Head for Sample Environment & Labs in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). NScD operates two neutron user facilities — the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) — on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Sample Environment & Labs section develops and deploys leading sample environment capabilities and laboratory support for the neutron scattering user program. The section consists of seven groups: High Pressure, High Temperature, Automation, Soft Matter, HFIR Low Temperature and Magnets, SNS Low Temperature and Magnets, and User Labs.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute a strategy to deploy existing and create novel sample environments across SNS and HFIR, integrating user lab activities and complex sample environments into a world-class user program.

  • Partner with the Division Director and section Group Leaders to establish priorities, allocate resources, and drive excellence across all seven groups.

  • Manage section Group Leaders, including hiring, performance evaluation, succession planning, and career development; recruit from a diverse pool of top candidates and approve job offers.

  • Mentor staff and support long-term career growth; ensure staff emphasize excellence in user support and maintain active participation in professional service activities.

  • 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 BS degree in a science or engineering-related field with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience. Candidates with a relevant AS degree may be considered if they have at least 14 years of relevant experience, including demonstrated management and/or supervisory experience.

  • Demonstrated experience leading technical teams.

  • Demonstrated experience working with complex sample environments or scientific laboratories in at least one area represented by the section’s groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Expertise in neutron scattering studies, development of sample environments for neutron scattering, and/or management of a suite of sample environments deployed across a large number of scattering instruments.

Benefits at ORNL:

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 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, 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.