Deputy Group Leader (R&D Manager 3) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Deputy Group Leader (R&D Manager 3)

What You Will Do

MPA-11, the Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group in the Materials Physics and Applications Division, is seeking outstanding candidates for the position of Deputy Group Leader. MPA-11 currently has ~100 employees, including scientists, technologists, postdocs, and students, with a budget of ~$45M per year. The group's work spans a range of basic and applied research programs, with focus areas in fuel cells, acoustic sensors, actinide materials synthesis and separations, nuclear forensics, engineered materials production, and nanomaterials synthesis and device integration.

The successful candidate will be expected to work with the group and division managers to lead and manage MPA-11 in a safe, secure, and professional manner. Specifically, the Deputy Group Leader's duties will be distributed among the following activities:
  • Maintain and help evolve a sound technical vision that leverages existing programs.
  • Develop new programs, based on innovative combinations of the group's core competencies, in response to Laboratory and national needs.
  • Support staff to maximize overall productivity.
  • Ensure a safe, secure, and compliant workplace for group employees, and ensure adherence to Laboratory policy.
  • Oversee group financial and human resource management.
  • Promote and pursue Laboratory and Division Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESHQ) objectives.
  • Help develop a strategic vision, in conjunction with the MPA-11 Group Leader, that leverages the technical strengths and capabilities of the group.

The Deputy Group Leader will be supported half-time (0.5 FTE) for these activities and is expected to fund the remainder of their time through independent programmatic research and/or other program management activities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Strong record of technical accomplishments and professional experience as demonstrated by a record of publications in one or more area relevant to MPA-11 mission.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership and management excellence, including technical direction/goal setting, program development, and team building across organizational boundaries.
  • Experience managing experimental facilities and support personnel, with a demonstrated commitment to a safe and environmentally sound workplace.
  • Working knowledge of financial, management, and ESHQ practices typical of a large R&D organization.
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance.
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience handling radioactive materials and working in radiological or nuclear facilities.
  • Experience managing work in facilities involving chemical and radiological hazards, and nuclear materials.
  • Thorough knowledge of DOE and NNSA mission needs related to special nuclear material production, nuclear fuel cycles, and nuclear forensics.
  • Education: A Ph.D. degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a field related to on-going work in MPA-11.
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 2 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 maternity 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.