Department Manager - Mineral and Molecular Separations and Analysis

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Materials, Manufacturing, and Bioenergy Science & Technology Department Manager to work in our Energy, Environment, Science & Technology (EES&T) Directorate. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

You will lead the Mineral & Molecular Separations & Analysis Department in the Energy, Environment, Science and Technology (EES&T) Directorate. The Mineral & Molecular Separations and Analysis Department conducts basic and applied R&D and maintains leadership in the development of critical and strategic materials technological solutions for government and private sponsors. Core competencies exist in geological sciences, subsurface modeling, geothermal science and engineering, chemical and molecular sciences, chemical engineering, separations science and technology, analytical sciences, nanomaterials sciences and engineering, process chemistry, catalysis, electrochemistry, polymer sciences, and water research.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the critical and strategic materials leadership team to develop and implement the business strategy for the critical materials program. This role involves executing business and technical strategies to drive program growth, sustain core competencies, expand capabilities, and lead technical initiatives in coordination with industry, academia, national laboratories, and internal departments.

• Maintain and update a talent acquisition plan-covering succession planning, required competencies, and recruitment targets-and ensuring department capabilities are aligned with evolving business goals. This encompasses research and personnel spaces, facility resources, and equipment.

• Ensures the department's core competencies and scientific capabilities are maintained and expanded to support new R&D and business opportunities. They promote innovation, integrate emerging technologies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, inclusion, and research excellence. They also have discretion to pursue new research avenues and partnerships that advance business objectives and deliver technical solutions to DOE, DOD, and private sector clients.

• Oversee resource allocation and project performance, coordinating with other managers to meet cross-functional goals. They ensure R&D activities are staffed with qualified personnel and supported by adequate infrastructure. As Funds Manager for over 50 research projects, they provide oversight, mentorship to Principal Investigators, and ensure responsible use of public and private funds to meet programmatic milestones and deliverables.

• Lead efforts to attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent, including internal growth initiatives. This involves close collaboration with HR personnel (e.g., recruiters, compensation specialists, onboarding staff) and EES&T management.

• Recruit and mentor lead professionals, provide guidance to interns and staff at all levels, and model excellence in mentoring and talent development. The Manager fosters a robust talent pipeline and promotes a culture of professional growth.

• Ensure staff understand how to realistically plan, estimate, document, and communicate programmatic scope, schedule, and budget within the DOE national laboratory framework. This includes instruction on roles and responsibilities of support staff and systems such as Planning & Financial Controls, Proposal Coordinator, Procurement, Environmental, and Research Operations.

• Conducts performance reviews, evaluates merit, and guides professional development, particularly for early-career staff. They help staff set and achieve career goals, articulate advancement expectations, and provide constructive feedback. In coordination with HR, the HR Business Partner, and the Division Director, they manage hiring, promotion, termination, and disciplinary actions.

• Set standards for professional conduct and lead by example. They oversee the quality of all technical outputs-proposals, white papers, presentations, publications, and reports-and ensure excellence across deliverables. Additionally, they identify and assign required training to ensure safe and compliant execution of programmatic activities.

• Oversee departmental assets and resources, including budgets, research and office spaces, equipment, personnel, and overall capabilities. They provide strategic leadership in planning and optimizing resource utilization to support departmental and divisional programmatic missions.

• Champion the Safe Conduct of Research, lead by example, and ensure safe and compliant execution of research activities. This includes reviewing Work Control documents, coordinating with EES&T Laboratory Managers and Research Operations SMEs, and clearly communicating safety expectations to staff.

• Regularly reports departmental achievements to the Division Director and EES&T Research Excellence staff, contributes to PEMP Notables and Milestones, and delivers quarterly updates to DOE-ID Technology Managers on relevant business activities.

• Conduct department-wide meetings, one-on-one staff engagements, and walk-downs of research spaces to assess readiness and alignment with programmatic goals. They ensure compliance with company policies, monitor use of public and private resources, and review staff activities to maintain alignment with programmatic scope, implementing course corrections as needed.

• Routine administrative responsibilities include approving travel, timecards, procurements, subcontracts, joint appointments, and security plans in support of departmental operations

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's Degree in Chemistry, Geology, Materials Science, or a closely related physical sciences or engineering field with at least 5 years of experience and 2 years of leadership (supervisory) experience.

• The Manager must have a proven research track record in engineering, chemistry, or physics specialties.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in the communication of complex technical concepts and scientific data.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Desired Experience:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Geology, Materials Science, or a closely related physical sciences field with 10 years' research experience with at least 5 years of leadership (supervisory) experience.

• Recognized as an accomplished technical leader having demonstrated capability as evidenced by a robust publication, patenting, and recognition record.

• Knowledge, skills, and experience successfully investigating both basic and applied R&D areas as evidenced through publications and patents.

• Proven track record for having created and maintained a collaborative atmosphere of innovation and scientific excellence.

• Demonstrated experience engaging with industry, and government sponsors through collaborative efforts and initiatives.

• Professional experience developing programs, interfacing with sponsors, and obtaining project funding through successfully securing competitive grants from government and private sponsors.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel,bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type,handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipmentand driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity andhearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodationsmay be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Job Information:

• The target pay range for this position is $154,733 - $231,971 annually. The full pay range is $105,516 - $269,052. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will 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.

Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.