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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors.

The Earth Systems Science Division (ESSD) within the Energy & Environment Directorate (EED) is seeking a Group Leader for the Earth System Predictability and Resiliency (ESPR) Group within ESSD.

The ESPR group advances fundamental and operational research on connected Earth, energy, and environmental systems through integrated human-Earth system modeling, sensing and measurement, and identification of unique natural process markers. These capabilities are primarily applied to address climate change impacts and adaptation and includes renewable energy integration and environmental monitoring, extreme weather event characterization and decision support for planning and response, and nuclear non-proliferation activities. ESPR has ~70 employees, including earth scientists, data scientists, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, post-docs, and students. ESPR supports fundamental and applied research programs within the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Water Power Technology Office, National Nuclear Security Administration, Bioenergy Technology Office, and associated industry sponsors; Department of Homeland Security; Department of Defense.

Positions comprised predominantly of research management responsibilities, with significant span of control and/or delegated authority and responsibility. These positions generally manage multi-disciplinary organizations through staff leaders or subordinate managers. Management decisions impact objectives, goals and long-term success of the organization and Laboratory. 

The Group Leader reports directly to the EESD Director and will be responsible for:

• Responsible for the direct management of 6 team leaders with each team consisting of 8-12 staff members.
• Maintaining awareness of competitive landscape for ESPR capabilities and informing group and division strategies.
• Being a key member of the ESSD Leadership team, championing the strategic, tactical, and operational success of the division in partnership with colleague-, group-, and division-level leaders.
• Leading the development and execution of the Group Strategy, in partnership with Division Leadership and Sector Managers from across the organization that delivers successful outcomes tailored to PNNL and sponsor needs.
• Developing research capabilities that are externally recognized for their national impact and effectively and efficiently utilized by PNNL’s research and development programs.
• Working with sector and program managers to establish new programs based on innovative combinations of the group’s core competencies in response to PNNL and national needs.

The Group Leader will be expected to:

• Steward and communicate the group’s capabilities and accomplishments with internal and external partners to advance the organization’s reputation.
• Establish and maintain a culture of integrity, commitment to scientific and technical excellence, and delivery on commitments and operational effectiveness.
• Implement all applicable safety, environment, security, quality, compliance, and administrative policies.
• Nurture an intellectual environment conducive to scientific research, development, and innovation that retains and attracts the highest caliber scientific staff and ensures appropriate mentoring and supervision of postdocs and students.
• Implement practices to recruit, develop, assess performance, and retain talented people to support current and future mission needs. This also includes managing essential aspects of research operations and expert delivery, including interfacing with those responsible for managing project risk and execution.