Section Head, Geographic Data Science

Requisition Id 6849

Position Level: RP05

Solving Big Problems

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) delivers scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs to solve challenges in energy and national security and provide economic benefit to the nation. Our wide range of partnerships with other U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories and programs, universities, and industry allows us to pair our strengths with others for outstanding contributions to science.

Sharing a Legacy of Impact

ORNL researchers apply unique facilities, sophisticated tools, and signature strengths in neutron science, high-performance computing, advanced materials, biology, and environmental science, nuclear science and engineering, isotopes, and national security research to benefit science and society, making it possible for us to:

• Advance understanding, design, and use of new materials and chemical processes
• Reveal unmatched insights through computing and data
• Ensure safe, clean nuclear power and secure nuclear materials
• Produce rare isotopes for medicine, industry, security, research, and space exploration
• Increase and exploit understanding of biological and environmental systems, from genes to ecosystems

Established in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project, ORNL continually and successfully pursues discovery and innovation to make a lasting impact on the world.

National Security Science

ORNL’s National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) delivers science and technology leadership in cybersecurity and cyber-physical resiliency, data analytics, geospatial science and technology, nuclear nonproliferation, and high-performance computing for sensitive national security missions. We draw on the Laboratory’s exceptional facilities and work closely with leading researchers in other areas at the lab such as nuclear and chemical sciences and engineering, applied materials, advanced manufacturing, biosecurity, transportation, and computing. Our research teams are passionate about discovery and innovation as we create science-based solutions to complex security threats that put public safety, national defense, energy infrastructure, and the economy at risk.

NSSD’s Geospatial Science and Human Security Division is transforming how we observe, analyze, and visualize landscape and human dynamics around the world. Through the pioneering integration of human dynamics, remote sensing, geoinformatics, and data sciences with autonomous systems and resilient communications, our interdisciplinary research teams provide decision-makers with timely information on critical situations arising from geopolitical instabilities, natural disasters, resource scarcities, and health crises.

ORNL has been a pioneer in the development, implementation, and application of systems, science, and technology for geographic information since 1969—well before the advent of commercial GIS. We are unique in the DOE national laboratory system, as the only research division focused on advancing the theory and applications of geospatial science and technology. Join our rich legacy as we build an exciting future of new geospatial capabilities for critical mission applications in energy, environment, and national security.

Overview

We are currently seeking qualified applicants to serve as Section Head for the Geographic Data Science Section in the Geospatial Science and Human Security Division.

The Section Head will provide scientific, technical, and programmatic leadership in support of the GeoAi, Remote Sensing, and Resilient Communications R&D groups.

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  GeoAI — Develops novel mathematical and computer science capabilities for curating, fusing, analyzing, and visualizing data sets, artificial intelligence, uncertainty quantification, data validation, privacy preservation, and anonymization techniques. Develops data bias assessment, UQ, assurance, and privacy preservation techniques.
• Remote Sensing — Develops algorithms for multimodal sensors and platforms, sensor characterization and modeling, spatial and spectral exploitation using photogrammetry, image science, and computational science approaches.
• Resilient Communications—Develops strategies for resilient, integrated communications for edge devices.
• Autonomous Systems - Develops remote, autonomous ground and air systems by combining expertise in embedded systems, sensors, software, aviation systems, and mechanical engineering.

Purpose

Provide Research and Development (R&D) leadership for a thematic area of science and technology that integrates several aligned R&D groups consistent with ORNL’s science culture and ORNL’s aspiration to be the world’s premier R&D institution.

The R&D Section Head works closely with the Division Director and Group Leaders to establish and implement the science and technology directions for the section; support the Group Leaders to ensure their success and the success of the R&D groups as world-recognized leaders in their fields; ensure that staff members understand business opportunities; identify links to current and future funding opportunities and R&D programs; develop and implement consistent processes for the peer-review of proposals consistent with lab standards; model proper Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality practices; and ensure a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.

Our commitment to diversity: As we strive to become the world’s premier research institution in the sciences and technologies that underpin critical national security missions, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that highly values a diverse workforce. We recognize that a breadth of perspectives, insights, and experiences are necessary to drive the level of innovation and discovery that is mission-critical to national security sciences. Our commitment extends beyond our workforce to the next generation of researchers with STEM education outreach that seeks to engage a diverse range of students.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• 
  Initiates, leads and performs R&D programs and initiatives on an ongoing basis.

• Work closely with the Division Director and Group Leaders within the section to develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading science and technology directions for the section. Demonstrate cross-functional team leadership.
• Work with section Group Leaders to establish, communicate, and measure critical metrics for success and impact. Benchmark against the best in the world.
• Actively contribute to shaping the division’s, directorate’s, and laboratory’s research plans and investments.
• Build strong teams by collaborating across ORNL and securing external expertise when needed. Leverage ORNL facilities and resources when developing new projects.
• Evaluate Group Lead progress regularly, providing feedback and addressing performance issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure groups are recruiting and hiring from a diverse pool of top candidates who are committed to world-class research and aspire to be the best in their field.
• Lead by example, using the principles in ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research and in dealing with others.
• Coach and mentor staff regarding ORNL’s “Safe Conduct of Research” principles and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
• Exemplify a commitment to "One ORNL" by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.
• Counsel/consult/mentor staff and transfer knowledge of specialized field(s) to a variety of staff, including senior staff.
• Work with Group Leaders to ensure staff is participating actively in professional service (engagement in scientific societies, workshop and conference organization, peer review, advisory board membership, etc.).
• Advocate for and support internal and external recognition of staff achievements. Ensure the Section’s external professional presence is strong.
• Communicate funding/proposal opportunities to staff and support proposal development as appropriate (mentoring, proposal reviews, budget preparation, etc.).

Basic Requirements

• 
  Requires a Ph.D. with a minimum of 12-year relevant experience or a M.S. with a minimum of 16-year experience or a B.S. with 20-years of experience.
• Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience leading R&D teams in geographic data science related research areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• 
  A research track record in areas relevant to the mission of the section.
• Experience working for or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories, academic institutions, other research organizations, and the private sector.
• Strong familiarity with research and development programs and priorities of federal agencies and demonstrated experience of developing and managing sponsor relationships.

Special Requirement

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may be also be subject to random polygraph testing.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.