Assistant Director for Program Operations, Energy Sciences

The Energy & Photon Sciences Directorate at Brookhaven National Laboratory advances fundamental and applied research in energy-related and photon-based sciences. The directorate supports a broad scientific mission spanning chemistry, materials science, condensed matter physics, and nanoscience, with a focus on understanding and controlling matter at the atomic and molecular scale.

It operates world-class research facilities, including the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) and associated beamlines, enabling cutting-edge studies in energy storage, catalysis, quantum materials, and advanced imaging. The directorate plays a key role in supporting U.S. Department of Energy missions by driving scientific discovery, enabling user research programs, and fostering innovation in energy technologies and materials science.

Reporting to the Director of Energy Sciences and Technology, the Assistant Director for Program Operations, Energy Sciences will lead the execution of scientific research programs across Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, and Nanoscience by coordinating key operational functions, including planning, reporting, workforce processes, and readiness for Laboratory and DOE activities.

You will partner with Division leadership to ensure consistent operational practices, support institutional planning and review processes (e.g., ALP, PEMP, BES reviews), and facilitate cross-Division coordination. You will also contribute to Department-wide Environment, Safety & Health (ESH) performance in collaboration with the ESH Manager.

You will:

• Serve as the Director's primary partner in advancing and maintaining clear Department-wide scientific operational expectations and practices.

• Oversee Department personnel processes, including performance evaluation management, promotions, and workforce planning.

• Partner with Division Directors to address cross-cutting operational and personnel matters.

• Provide Department-wide oversight of Environment, Safety & Health (ESH) performance in collaboration with the Energy Sciences ESH Manager.

• Represent the Director in internal Laboratory operational forums and meetings assigned.

Laboratory and DOE Planning, Reporting, and Review Readiness

You will:

• Coordinate Department inputs for major Laboratory and DOE processes, including strategic planning, performance evaluation (PEMP), and program reviews.

• Ensure consistent, accurate, and timely scientific and operational reporting across Divisions.

• Strengthen Department readiness for DOE and external reviews by identifying gaps and driving corrective actions.

• Facilitate coordination between scientific leadership and Laboratory support organizations to ensure successful execution of Department initiatives.

Cross-Division Integration and Department Effectiveness

You will:

• Promote effective collaboration and information sharing across the three Energy Sciences Divisions.

• Ensure consistent implementation of Laboratory policies and Department-wide practices across Divisions.

• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline Department processes for improved clarity, efficiency, and compliance.

• Monitor the effectiveness of cross-Division coordination and recommend process improvements as needed.

• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and shared responsibility across the Energy Sciences Department.

• Support the Department's scientific operations and readiness within a highly visible federal research environment

• Foster a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility across Energy Sciences.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You will have:

• A bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or a relevant field.

• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a scientific, technical, or research environment, including at least 4 years of demonstrated leadership or management experience.

• Experience supporting or leading operations within a complex, research-driven organization, including personnel processes such as performance management, workforce planning, promotions, and staff development.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-organizational initiatives and working effectively across teams in a matrixed environment.

• Experience preparing for and supporting external reviews, including development and execution of corrective action plans.

• Working knowledge of Environment, Safety & Health (ESH) principles in a research or technical setting.

• Experience with planning, performance metrics, reporting, and program or portfolio reviews.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with scientific leadership, operational staff, and senior stakeholders.

You may have:

• An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in science, engineering, or related field.

• Experience working in a DOE National Laboratory, federally funded research environment, or similarly complex scientific institution.

• Familiarity with performance management processes, including strategic planning, and scientific program reviews.

• Experience supporting scientific reporting, research program management, or programmatic operations.

• Experience leading organizational change, process improvement, or operational transformation initiatives.

Additional Information:

• This is a fully onsite position located at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY.

• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $155000 - $180000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program

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About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation's future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We 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. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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