Deputy Division Leader for Theoretical Division (R&D Manager 5) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Deputy Division Leader for Theoretical Division (R&D Manager 5)

What You Will Do

The Theoretical (T) Division seeks an outstanding candidate for Deputy Division Leader. The successful candidate will bring exceptional academic credentials, broad scientific interests, and a demonstrated record of leading large, innovative technical organizations that excel in both fundamental science and applied research.

The Deputy Division Leader will provide scientific and operational leadership; uphold high standards of quality; guide long-range planning and program development; and strengthen the division's effectiveness in partnering with Laboratory programs. Reporting to the T Division Leader, the Deputy will serve on both the T Division and Simulation, Computing & Theory (SCT) directorate leadership teams, sharing responsibility for the division's scientific leadership and management.

T Division delivers excellence in theoretical and computational research in support of LANL's mission, spanning applied mathematics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and theoretical physics. Its work ranges from fundamental science to complex systems modeling, with contributions to quantum computing, materials design, AI foundations, nuclear and particle physics, clean energy, Earth systems, and health security. With an annual budget exceeding $200M, the division includes over 190 staff scientists, 100 postdoctoral researchers, 150 summer students, and 20 support staff across six groups and the Center for Nonlinear Studies. The division is known for cross-disciplinary collaboration, strong partnerships with experimental teams, and serving as a recruitment pipeline for the Laboratory.

The Deputy Division Leader duties include and are not limited to the following:
  • Work closely with the T Division Leader, Staff Operations Manager, Group Leaders, Deputy Group Leaders and Center Director and Deputy Director of CNLS to provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership and management.
  • Participate as a member of the Simulation, Computing & Theory leadership team in defining and supporting the Laboratory's mission.
  • Ensure technical quality, scientific excellence, delivery on commitments with seamless safety and security practices in all facilities and network environments.
  • Attract, retain, develop, and grow high quality scientific staff by maintaining an intellectual work environment conductive of forward-looking scientific research, innovation, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and continuous learning.
  • Grow and sustain scientific and technical capabilities to address evolving scientific and national security challenges aligned with LANL mission.
  • Develop and sustain partnerships with peers (both line and program) from across the Laboratory, other National Laboratories, government agencies, academia, and industry.
  • Develop and implement strategic, tactical and risk management plans.
  • Resolve conflict professionally and tactfully in a fast-paced work environment.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Demonstrated successful experience managing a large, complex set of technical programs in basic and/or applied research.
  • Must have major accomplishments in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline as demonstrated, for example, by a record of outstanding publications.
  • Demonstrated success in management of a scientific/technical organization, including effective resource management, teaming, conflict resolution, advocacy, negotiation skills, strategic and operational planning, motivating continuous improvement, and achievement of goals
  • Must have a record of promoting scientific excellence by attracting and retaining outstanding research staff
  • Must have strong collaboration skills and ability to communicate at all levels
  • Demonstrated ability to build both internal and external organizational relationships
  • Demonstrated track record of innovation in research, program development and management
  • Record of mentoring peers and subordinates
  • Demonstrated commitment to institutional goals in the areas of health, safety and environmental protection, safeguards and security management, and employee development.
  • Active DOE Q-clearance or ability to obtain one


Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 12 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of Laboratory, DOE, and other national programs relevant to T division's research
  • Experience in developing interactions between national laboratories, universities, and industry.
  • SCI clearance

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

§ Dental and vision insurance

§ Free basic life and disability insurance

§ Paid childbirth and parental leave

§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs

§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.