Director, Center for Functional Nanomaterials

About this role

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.

Brookhaven National Laboratory invites applications for the position of Director of the Center for Functional Nanomaterials. This senior leadership role carries responsibility for all aspects of CFN operations: scientific direction, user program, staff development, sponsor relationship, and BNL institutional engagement. The CFN Director reports to the Director of Energy Sciences and serves as a Division Leader within the Energy Sciences Department.

The CFN Director brings a strong scientific background, demonstrated experience leading research programs and scientific staff, and experience working within the DOE research environment. The ideal candidate combines scientific vision with the ability to galvanize staff, users, and sponsors around ambitious program directions. Experience directing a DOE user facility is an asset but is not required.  Senior scientific leaders within DOE user facilities are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities Scientific and Facility Leadership You will: • Lead CFN scientific and facility strategy, working with the CFN leadership team to design, assess, and adjust the five-year strategic plan in alignment with national science priorities.

• Oversee the CFN research program across all scientific groups, ensuring productive alignment between staff research and facility capabilities.

• Manage the CFN operating budget allocating resources for facility operations and sustained investment in new nanoscience capabilities.

• Ensure safe facility operations, fostering a culture of safety across all CFN activities.

• Represent the CFN within BNL by contributing to Laboratory-level strategic initiatives.

User Program and DOE Relationship You will: • Ensure a productive, and well-supported user community by engaging in multiple ways, including through the Users Executive Committee, to communicate facility plans, gather feedback, and strengthen the user program.

• Cultivate the CFN relationship with the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences, keeping them apprised of CFN accomplishments, operational status, and strategic directions.

• Lead the CFN through DOE facility operations reviews and all associated preparation, documentation, and follow-up.

• Work closely with the DOE Program Manager, maintaining regular communication on facility operations, research highlights, and staff accomplishments.

Staff Development and Organizational Culture You will: • Recruit, develop, and retain a cross functional staff of 70 expert scientists and technical professionals.

• Foster a dynamic, inclusive work environment where staff contributions are recognized and staff members are encouraged to grow professionally.

• Communicate the CFN mission clearly and consistently to staff, users, DOE, and the broader scientific community.

BNL and Institutional Engagement You will: • Engage the CFN Advisory Committees, organizing regular meetings and responding to committee recommendations.

• Represent the CFN in internal BNL leadership forums, including strategic planning.

• Present the CFN to external audiences including DOE staff, visiting scientists and leaders, and the general public.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities You are qualified for this position if: • You have earned a Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a suitable Engineering discipline, with a research focus in nanoscience, and have at least 12 years of relevant experience following the completion of your Ph.D., including a minimum of 8 years of leadership experience, which must include formal supervisory/managerial responsibility.

• You have led an internationally recognized research program evidenced by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and invited talks at conferences and workshops;

• You have experience managing a research sponsor relationship, including reporting on program progress and responding to sponsor priorities;

• You have managed a significant research or facility budget, including allocation across personnel, operations, and capital investments;

• You are committed to working safely and fostering an environment of safe work practices.

Preferred Skills, and Abilities You are well-matched to this position if: • You have built and led a complex, multidisciplinary scientific initiative, coordinating large teams including collaborators outside your direct organization.

• You have experience engaging with DOE as a research sponsor, including reporting on program progress and responding to sponsor priorities;

• You have demonstrated the ability to develop a compelling scientific vision and translate it into a program that attracts and motivates talented scientists;

• You can communicate and advocate compellingly for a scientific program in diverse forums, including to scientists, facility users, sponsors, the general public, and leadership;

• You have experience with strategic planning, program reviews, and reporting processes;

• You have experience supervising and developing scientific staff in a research organization;

• You have experience with DOE user facilities and/or externally reviewed scientific programs;

Additional Information:

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