Assistant Director for Program Operations, Energy Sciences
Job Summary
The Energy & Photon Sciences Directorate at Brookhaven National Laboratory advances fundamental and applied research in energy-related and photon-based sciences. The directorate supports a broad scientific mission spanning chemistry materials science condensed matter physics and nanoscience with a focus on understanding and controlling matter at the atomic and molecular scale.
It operates world-class research facilities including the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) and associated beamlines enabling cutting-edge studies in energy storage catalysis quantum materials and advanced imaging. The directorate plays a key role in supporting U.S. Department of Energy missions by driving scientific discovery enabling user research programs and fostering innovation in energy technologies and materials science.
Position Overview:
Reporting to the Director of Energy Sciences and Technology the Assistant Director for Program Operations Energy Sciences will lead the execution of scientific research programs across Chemistry Condensed Matter Physics Materials Science and Nanoscience by coordinating key operational functions including planning reporting workforce processes and readiness for Laboratory and DOE activities.
You will partner with Division leadership to ensure consistent operational practices support institutional planning and review processes (e.g. ALP PEMP BES reviews) and facilitate cross-Division coordination. You will also contribute to Department-wide Environment Safety & Health (ESH) performance in collaboration with the ESH Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Departmental Leadership and Scientific Operations
You will:
Serve as the Directors primary partner in advancing and maintaining clear Department-wide scientific operational expectations and practices.
Oversee Department personnel processes including performance evaluation management promotions and workforce planning.
Partner with Division Directors to address cross-cutting operational and personnel matters.
Provide Department-wide oversight of Environment Safety & Health (ESH) performance in collaboration with the Energy Sciences ESH Manager.
Represent the Director in internal Laboratory operational forums and meetings assigned.
Laboratory and DOE Planning Reporting and Review Readiness
You will:
Coordinate Department inputs for major Laboratory and DOE processes including strategic planning performance evaluation (PEMP) and program reviews.
Ensure consistent accurate and timely scientific and operational reporting across Divisions.
Strengthen Department readiness for DOE and external reviews by identifying gaps and driving corrective actions.
Facilitate coordination between scientific leadership and Laboratory support organizations to ensure successful execution of Department initiatives.
Cross-Division Integration and Department Effectiveness
You will:
Promote effective collaboration and information sharing across the three Energy Sciences Divisions.
Ensure consistent implementation of Laboratory policies and Department-wide practices across Divisions.
Identify and implement opportunities to streamline Department processes for improved clarity efficiency and compliance.
Monitor the effectiveness of cross-Division coordination and recommend process improvements as needed.
Foster a culture of teamwork accountability and shared responsibility across the Energy Sciences Department.
Support the Departments scientific operations and readiness within a highly visible federal research environment
Foster a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility across Energy Sciences.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
You will have:
A bachelors degree in science engineering or a relevant field.
A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a scientific technical or research environment including at least 4 years of demonstrated leadership or management experience.
Experience supporting or leading operations within a complex research-driven organization including personnel processes such as performance management workforce planning promotions and staff development.
Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-organizational initiatives and working effectively across teams in a matrixed environment.
Experience preparing for and supporting external reviews including development and execution of corrective action plans.
Working knowledge of Environment Safety & Health (ESH) principles in a research or technical setting.
Experience with planning performance metrics reporting and program or portfolio reviews.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with scientific leadership operational staff and senior stakeholders.
Preferred Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
You may have:
An advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in science engineering or related field.
Experience working in a DOE National Laboratory federally funded research environment or similarly complex scientific institution.
Familiarity with performance management processes including strategic planning and scientific program reviews.
Experience supporting scientific reporting research program management or programmatic operations.
Experience leading organizational change process improvement or operational transformation initiatives.
Additional Information:
This is a fully onsite position located at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton NY.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship
Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $155000 - $180000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidates qualification education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL Benefits Program
Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory view more information at This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federalREAL ID Act. Those not in possession of a REAL ID-compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews.
About Us
Brookhaven National Laboratory () delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nations future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries 37 R&D 100 Awards and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country learn more at BNL Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Guided by our core values of integrity responsibility innovation respect and teamwork Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor
BSA employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: Experience:
Director
About Company
Brookhaven National Laboratory delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science, Brookhaven is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning ... View more