Department Chair, Nuclear Science and Security

Brookhaven National Laboratory invites applications from a diverse pool of candidates for the position of the Chair of the Nuclear Science and Security Department, which will be formed on October 1, 2025, by merging the current Nuclear Science and Technology Department and the National Security and Nuclear Nonproliferation Department, both within the Environment, Biology, Nuclear Science, and Nonproliferation Directorate

Responsible for overall administration, direction and management of that portion of the laboratory's program assigned to and carried out by a departmental component. Responsible for the execution and implementation of basic policy affecting the department and for recommending modifications to such policy. Responsible for charting departmental program and for the broad supervision of its execution.

Position Description:

The Environment, Biology, Nuclear Science & Nonproliferation Directorate conducts fundamental research and develops technology to enable the transition to a secure, sustainable and resilient net-zero society. The Chair of the new Nuclear Science and Security Department will be expected to lead the continued development of nationally and internationally recognized programs in nuclear science, nuclear energy, nuclear safeguards and security, as well as nuclear nonproliferation and related fields Develop a scientific vision and decadal-scale strategic business plan for the Department appropriate for a leading National Laboratory, leveraging the unique capabilities and facilities at BNL and within DOE. As well as leading efforts to secure funding to execute the strategic plan and bring the vision to light, with the overarching goal to develop premier nuclear science and security research programs consistent with the missions of the Department of Energy (DOE) and position the Department to take on new challenges

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Work with the staff to recruit, mentor, and develop staff members, and maintain a respectful workplace supportive of creative scientific research.

Manage programmatic relationships with the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science-Nuclear Physics Program, DOE-Nuclear Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; other National Laboratories, and industrial; and academic collaborators.

Build strategic partnerships inside and outside BNL that significantly enhance the responsiveness, competitiveness, productivity and impact of the Department's R&D efforts, resulting in a sustainable growth in both the level and scope of department funding from DOE and other funding agencies.

Represent the Department in BNL deliberations on funding, structure, and other topics that affect the success of the Department and BNL.

Manage the Department to ensure safe and secure operations.

Engage with higher education institutions in developing next-generation workforce for nuclear science and security.

Contribute to ongoing departmental scientific research by being an active and independent scientist or engineer

Position Requirements:

Ph.D. in nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, physics, international relations, nuclear security, or closely related fields.

Recognized expertise in nuclear science, nuclear engineering, nonproliferation, arms control, nuclear security, or international safeguards, along with a broad perspective across several of these fields.

A minimum of 15 years of experience in leading scientific research and development in relevant discipline to include at least 5 years managing scientific, technical, and support professionals and programmatic funding stewardship with a record of sustaining incremental research funding.

Demonstrate ability to effectively manage a large scientific organization.

Demonstrate ability to participate in or lead interdisciplinary teams.

Demonstrate commitment to the career development of staff.

Demonstrate interpersonal skills and clear and concise oral and written communication skills.

Demonstrate proficient project/program management skills.

Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE-Q security clearance.

Experience working with federal agencies that support nuclear science and engineering, nuclear security, nuclear safeguards, or nonproliferation work.

Detailed knowledge of DOE, NNSA, DoD, NRC, and other government R&D programs and funding structures related to nuclear science and engineering, nonproliferation, arms control, and nuclear security.

Demonstrate record of success in program development.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Active research programs relevant to nonproliferation and national security and funded by U.S. federal agencies.

A record of scientific accomplishment demonstrated by a record of publications in premier peer-reviewed journals.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

Ability to work in an office and laboratory environment.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Other Information:

This is an on-site position eligible for consideration of limited (one-day-a-week) hybrid work arrangement.

Periodic International and domestic travel ~20%