Physics Division Director

About this role

Organization Overview The Physics Division, as part of the Fundamental Interactions and Particles (FIP) Directorate, leads scientific research at BNL for the DOE Office of High Energy and Nuclear Physics (HENP) by designing, constructing, and operating HENP experiments in pursuit of a deeper understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the physical world. For the nuclear physics program, the Division is responsible for completing the RHIC science mission by analyzing data accumulated over decades of RHIC operation and leading the design and construction of the ePIC detector, including hosting the ePIC collaboration and the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) detector subproject. The Division works closely with other organizations in FIP and across the Laboratory to ensure the success of EIC, BNL’s highest-priority program. For the high energy physics program, the Division hosts U.S. ATLAS, leads the U.S. ATLAS Operations Program and HL-LHC Upgrade Project, and has major responsibilities for the ATLAS experiment. It also hosts U.S. Belle II. In addition, the Division plays critical roles in neutrino programs at Fermilab, including DUNE and SBN, as well as in astrophysics and cosmology efforts such as the Rubin Observatory and LuSEE-Night. A vibrant research program is also under way for potential future high energy physics projects, including a Higgs factory and the second phase of the DUNE experiment. World-leading theory efforts in both high energy and nuclear physics provide guidance for interpreting experimental data. The Division’s detector technology capabilities and software expertise strongly support all aspects of these programs.

Position Description The Physics Division Director serves as a key member of the Fundamental Interactions and Particles (FIP) Directorate leadership team and is responsible for leading the Division in fulfilling the DOE mission. The Division comprises more than 200 scientists, engineers, technicians, and other professional and support staff, with an annual budget of over $100 million. The Division Director reports to the Associate Laboratory Director for the FIP Directorate and works closely with the EIC Project leadership, other divisions within FIP, Laboratory management, user communities, and funding agencies to ensure the successful delivery of the DOE Office of High Energy and Nuclear Physics mission. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Provide overall scientific, technical, operational, and strategic leadership for the Division, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the Laboratory, the FIP Directorate, the DOE mission.  

• Establish and monitor organizational priorities, performance expectations, governance processes, organizational structure, and management systems that enable safe operations and effective execution of Division responsibilities.

• Develop, communicate and implement a strategic long-term vision for the Division that advances scientific and operational excellence.

• Develop, manage, forecast and execute annual operating and project budgets exceeding $100M.

• Ensure effective collaboration among the Division and with the EIC Project leadership, other divisions within FIP, and other Lab scientific and operational organizations to successfully deliver Division scope, technical objectives and project/program commitments.

• Represent the Division and the Laboratory in interactions with Department of Energy officials, Laboratory leadership, advisory committees, user communities, collaborating institutions, professional organizations, and external stakeholders.

• Serve as a member of the FIP Directorate leadership team and contribute to Directorate priorities, resource allocation, organizational initiatives, and long-term planning.

• Maintain and develop a strong scientific and technical workforce for the programs in the Division, and promote a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that encourages diverse perspectives and supports organizational excellence.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Ph.D. in nuclear or particle physics, or a closely related scientific or technical discipline.

• Minimum of twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience in nuclear or particle physics research and operation programs, including at least eight (8) years of leadership, management, and supervisory experience within a DOE laboratory, or equivalent research or technical organization.

• Demonstrated success leading and managing large, mission-driven scientific research and operations organizations, including responsibility for strategic planning, workforce management, fiscal oversight, and organizational performance.

• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with senior Laboratory leadership, DOE sponsors, advisory and review committees, partner institutions, and external stakeholders.

• Internationally recognized accomplishments in nuclear or particle physics research and successful history managing complex large-scale scientific and technical initiatives.

• Excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific and organizational issues to diverse audiences and prepare executive-level presentations, reports, and strategic recommendations.

• Demonstrated commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science programs, policies, and the mission, operations, governance, and management of National Laboratories and large user facilities.

• Experience in supporting large scientific collaborations and user communities.

Other Information: • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

• This is an on-site position in Upton, NY.

• For consideration, please apply by September 9, 2026.

Brookhaven National Laboratory i

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