Materials Sciences Division Director

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks an outstanding scientific leader and researcher  to serve as the Director of the Materials Sciences Division. 

Epochs in history have been marked by advances in materials. At Berkeley Lab, the Materials Sciences Division is dedicated to the design, synthesis, characterization, and modeling of materials that enable new technologies and phenomena. The Materials Sciences Division houses world-renowned programs, such as the Center for X-ray Optics and the Materials Project, that aid researchers from the U.S. and around the globe in rapidly advancing and deploying new materials for energy, information, and sustainability. The Division also helps drive materials science at major facilities, including the Advanced Light Source and Molecular Foundry, and increasingly contributes to innovation in next-generation microelectronics and the emerging revolution in materials for quantum information.

The Materials Sciences Division Director is responsible for providing scientific leadership for the Division's research programs and for maintaining the quality of research by working with Division staff, the Associate Laboratory Director for Energy Sciences, and the Laboratory Directorate to enhance existing programs and develop new experimental and theoretical programs in materials sciences, condensed matter and materials physics, materials chemistry, and biomolecular materials. With funding of over $50 million and approximately 600 staff, affiliates, and visitors, the Division Director is responsible for all areas of management within the Division, including scientific research, operations, finance, human resources, and environmental health and safety. 

The Materials Sciences Division Director is a member of the executive team for the Energy Sciences Area, a group of four Berkeley Lab Divisions that are primarily funded by the Basic Energy Sciences program of the DOE Office of Science, as well as a member of the Laboratory's management team responsible for guiding institutional priorities. In this role, the Director will build collaborative partnerships and programs within the Energy Sciences Area, with other Divisions across Berkeley Lab, UC Berkeley and other research institutions, as well as act as a spokesperson for the Division in interactions with DOE and other government agencies. The Director is also responsible for advancing Berkeley Lab’s stewardship values of team science, innovation, trust, respect, and service.

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship, which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific leadership for the Materials Sciences Division's research programs in materials sciences, condensed matter, experimental and theoretical physics, materials chemistry, and biomolecular materials, and develop new programs in relevant fields.
• Build collaboration with UC Berkeley and other research institutions and develop programs with industry for the mutual benefit of Berkeley Lab and its partners.
• Establish and communicate the Division’s mission and accomplishments to Division members, Berkeley Lab staff and leadership, and the broader research community.
• Play a key role in the formulation and direction of Laboratory programs, strategy, and research policies that enhance Berkeley Lab’s preeminence as a National Laboratory.
• Serve as a key liaison to DOE officials, and influence and implement DOE policies as they impact the Materials Sciences Division. 
• Help assure the efficient, effective, and safe operation of the Laboratory as a member of Berkeley Lab’s scientific and operational management team, with responsibility for all areas of operations within the Division.
• Lead by example to ensure that principles of stewardship, inclusion, diversity, equity and accountability are implemented. 
• Work with the Associate Laboratory Director for Energy Sciences and the other Division Directors (Advanced Light Source, Chemical Sciences, Molecular Foundry) to develop research initiatives and other activities; build institution-wide programs across other Scientific Areas and Divisions; and maintain and evolve partnerships with the Basic Energy Sciences program within the DOE Office of Science.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in a scientific discipline relevant to materials science as well as a strong record of research accomplishments.
• Recognized expert and leader in the field and demonstrated experience and competence in team science, placing a high value on shared success.
• Ability to develop and present strategic plans for the future evolution of the Division, and to interact effectively with the DOE and advocate for Berkeley Lab.
• Management experience in effective people, project, and program oversight, displaying creativity in decision making and problem solving in complex organizations.
• Proven track record in advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability.
• Ability to communicate internally and externally in a constructive and collaborative manner that appropriately represents the Laboratory.

Notes:

• For first consideration, please submit your CV and cover letter by January 6, 2023. In the cover letter, highlight your interest and vision for the position as well as relevant professional experience and accomplishments, including personal contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• The Materials Sciences Division Director position is a career position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
• This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.