ISR-1 Deputy Group Leader (R&D Manager 3)
- Req. Number: IRC142764
- Organization : IRS-1/Space Science and Applications Group
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Salary: $153,600 - $266,500
- Recruiter Name: Harding, Michelle G
- Recruiter Email: mharding@lanl.gov
What You Will Do
The Space Science and Applications Group (ISR-1) in the Intelligence & Space Research Division (ISR) is seeking a Deputy Group Leader (DGL) to serve as an integral member of the Group and Division leadership teams while remaining an active technical contributor.
ISR-1 conducts cutting-edge R&D in space-based national security and space environment science, with expertise spanning source phenomenology, propagation, heliospheric and magnetospheric physics, and advanced sensor and algorithm development in particle and plasma detection. The group consists of approximately 30 staff scientists and postdoctoral researchers, along with a cohort of students and affiliates collaborating across multiple LANL organizations.
Following the recent organizational realignment that established ISR-1 as a focused, independent group, the Deputy Group Leader will play a key role in strengthening group identity, ensuring operational coherence, and aligning technical capabilities with evolving national security priorities.
This position combines institutional leadership with embedded technical engagement (approximately 50% leadership / 50% technical).
In this role, you will:
Strategic Integration and Representation
Translation and Execution
Operational Leadership
Technical Contribution
Leadership Stewardship
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Safety and Professional Standards
Demonstrated commitment to maintaining and strengthening a safe, secure, and respectful work environment consistent with Laboratory expectations (e.g., HPI and/or SCoR principles).
Technical Expertise
Recognized scientific and technical competence in one or more ISR-1 mission areas, including space science, heliospheric or magnetospheric physics, and/or particle and plasma detection. Demonstrated record of successful research contributions and proposal development.
Leadership and Influence
Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to technical teams, projects, or organizational efforts. Ability to influence across organizational boundaries, navigate competing priorities, and build trust.
Communication
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex technical and institutional considerations to diverse audiences.
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:
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.
The Space Science and Applications Group (ISR-1) in the Intelligence & Space Research Division (ISR) is seeking a Deputy Group Leader (DGL) to serve as an integral member of the Group and Division leadership teams while remaining an active technical contributor.
ISR-1 conducts cutting-edge R&D in space-based national security and space environment science, with expertise spanning source phenomenology, propagation, heliospheric and magnetospheric physics, and advanced sensor and algorithm development in particle and plasma detection. The group consists of approximately 30 staff scientists and postdoctoral researchers, along with a cohort of students and affiliates collaborating across multiple LANL organizations.
Following the recent organizational realignment that established ISR-1 as a focused, independent group, the Deputy Group Leader will play a key role in strengthening group identity, ensuring operational coherence, and aligning technical capabilities with evolving national security priorities.
This position combines institutional leadership with embedded technical engagement (approximately 50% leadership / 50% technical).
In this role, you will:
Strategic Integration and Representation
- Participate fully in Group and Division leadership forums, shaping decisions that define ISR-1's technical direction and institutional posture.
- Bring clear understanding of ISR-1 capabilities, constraints, and emerging needs into leadership discussions to improve decision quality and alignment.
- Partner with the Group Leader to refine and institutionalize a strategic vision responsive to national security priorities.
Translation and Execution
- Clearly communicate the rationale, tradeoffs, and institutional context behind leadership decisions.
- Anticipate technical and organizational impacts and support disciplined, trust-preserving implementation.
- Reinforce decision practices that balance rigor, timeliness, and transparency.
Operational Leadership
- Strengthen coordination across ISR-1's technical portfolio to maintain alignment between strategy and execution.
- Partner with Project Leaders on resource alignment, schedules, and delivery of high-quality products within mission and funding constraints.
- Contribute to administrative stewardship, including safety and security, integrated work management, performance management, financial oversight, and workforce planning.
Technical Contribution
- Maintain an active technical portfolio aligned with ISR-1 mission areas.
- Demonstrate scientific leadership through research execution, proposal development, and cross-organizational collaboration.
- Sustain credibility and situational awareness through direct engagement in the group's technical work.
Leadership Stewardship
- Model sound judgment, emotional intelligence, discretion, and professional integrity.
- Build and sustain trusted relationships across technical staff and leadership.
- Balance strategic, group-level priorities with staff-level operational realities.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Safety and Professional Standards
Demonstrated commitment to maintaining and strengthening a safe, secure, and respectful work environment consistent with Laboratory expectations (e.g., HPI and/or SCoR principles).
Technical Expertise
Recognized scientific and technical competence in one or more ISR-1 mission areas, including space science, heliospheric or magnetospheric physics, and/or particle and plasma detection. Demonstrated record of successful research contributions and proposal development.
Leadership and Influence
Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to technical teams, projects, or organizational efforts. Ability to influence across organizational boundaries, navigate competing priorities, and build trust.
Communication
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex technical and institutional considerations to diverse audiences.
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:
- Advanced degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline
- Experience with budgeting, workforce planning, or administrative oversight
- Working knowledge of DOE, NNSA, DoD, NASA, or related mission agencies
- Formal training or demonstrated development in leadership and management
- Experience operating in roles that bridge technical execution and institutional decision-making
- Demonstrated experience mentoring or coaching technical staff
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.
