Group Leader, Nuclear and Radiological Material Security

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

Job posting number: #7116686 (Ref:414478)

Posted: November 22, 2022

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking candidates for an exciting new leadership role in the Strategic Security Sciences (SSS) Division. With an annual budget of $60M+ and over 160 employees, the SSS Division is an applied research organization that enhances global security and stability by delivering scientific and technical solutions to complex national security challenges. Our mission attracts the most curious, purpose-driven minds – people who are motivated by the impact their work can have on the world. Our vision is to be the premier source of innovative, objective science- and engineering-based solutions for a secure global society. The Division’s research focus areas are Nonproliferation Research, Analysis & Engagement; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Detection and Analysis; and National & Cyber Security Information Sciences. Our expertise spans science and technology research and development in the areas such as CBRN nonproliferation analysis and implementation including safeguards and export controls; nuclear and radiological material security; threat prevention, detection, and response and post-event recovery; detector testing and analysis; proactive cyber defense and situational awareness; and simulation, modeling, data analytics, and software development for mission-critical operations.

The Group Leader will be responsible for managing, leading, and providing advanced R&D expertise to the Nuclear and Radiological Material Security (NARMS) Group in the SSS Division in the fields of radiological and nuclear material security. They will provide input to the Group’s strategic direction and execute on the established strategic direction. The Group Leader also will develop new programs/initiatives and maintain relationships with sponsors and work closely with the research focus area Department Manager in support of SSS Division missions and strategies. They will work with the Department Managers and the Division Director to manage Group personnel and facilitate growth of the team, as well as working with other Argonne researchers, other national labs, university collaborators, industry partners, and others to develop collaborations within the Department, Division, Argonne, and externally. The Group Leader also will act as a Principal Investigator (PI) in the area of radiological and nuclear material security to lead and manage specific projects including project planning, budgeting, execution, reporting, and delivery, ensuring that DOE and Argonne safety and security requirements are met by personnel within the Team.

In this position, the successful candidate will lead and manage the Nuclear and Radiological Material Security Group and staff, as well as conduct original research of relevance to Group, Department, and Division missions. This will include the following primary responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage a Group providing technical and policy expertise in areas related to radiological and nuclear material security, aligning short- and long-term goals with Division strategy, generating new opportunities, and managing operations.

  • Lead development and delivery of a focused S&T research area while stewarding its resources and capabilities.

  • Assure that Group work products meet the highest scientific and operational standards.

  • Manage current and new partnerships. Develop new and grow existing programs within the expertise and purview of the Group.

  • Contribute to Division and Department vision and strategy, and setting, executing, monitoring, and evaluating the Group vision and strategy, aligned with Lab and Directorate priorities.

  • Operate Group in accordance with Division and Laboratory policies.

  • Mentor and develop direct reports within the Group to aid their research and career development. Recruit staff to the Group and deliver on DEI strategy.

  • Manage investments and risks within the group.

  • Manage Group sponsor relationships in coordination with identified Sponsor Relationship Managers.

  • Coordinate and collaborate with other Group Leaders and Department Managers in the SSS Division, other Argonne Divisions, other national labs, and external organizations to develop new initiatives and projects supporting DOE and other sponsors.

  • Conduct research for projects on which you are the PI, developing ideas/initiatives, identifying publishing opportunities, authoring papers and other work products, and pursuing further research opportunities.

  • Be accountable to the Department Manager for overall performance of the Group and to sponsors for program execution, consistent with the Laboratory Core Values.

Position Requirements

  • Knowledge, experience and skill in one or more specialized areas: radiological or nuclear science and engineering; nonproliferation policy, radiological security, nuclear material security, or nuclear safeguards,and demonstrated experience and technical skills to address such issues.

  • Experience in managing, directing, and mentoring staff.

  • Ability to use independent judgment and to abstract from specific problems to general solutions/findings.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate technical findings and organizational visions, goals, and strategic initiatives through team meetings, one-on-one engagements, and regular interpersonal communication.

  • Experience and skill in working effectively on multiple projects simultaneously and meeting expectations of sponsors, contractors, and other outside professionals to deliver on time and within budget.

  • Knowledge, experience and skills in setting goals, assessing research needs, and identifying funding mechanisms within DOE and other sponsoring organizations to further the sponsorship of the Group’s research and expertise.

  • Collaborative skills, including the ability to work well with other researchers within Argonne, other national laboratories, research institutions, and industrial collaborators.

  • Skill in conflict resolution, organizational effectiveness, and fair judgment.

  • Knowledge of Division, Argonne, and DOE policies and procedures to effectively execute them within the Group is preferred but not required.

  • This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education and a Ph.D. or M.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or related field and at least 4 years practical experience or equivalent.

  • A successful candidate will model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a Q clearance and possibly higher-level clearance.

  • The selected individual will be placed in the appropriate job profile “Nuclear/Reactor Engineering” or “Infrastructure Assurance Analysis" ” based on the background and qualifications brought to the position.

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Nuclear/Reactor Engineering Leader 1

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Please note that all Argonne employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. All successful applicants will be required to provide their COVID-19 vaccination verification as a condition of employment, subject to limited legally recognized exemptions to COVID-19 vaccination.



Argonne is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne prohibits discrimination or harassment based on an individual's age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.


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Job posting number:#7116686 (Ref:414478)
Application Deadline:Open Until Filled
Employer Location:Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne,Illinois
United States
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