Group Leader, Water Resource Science and Engineering

Requisition Id16009

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a senior leader to guide our water resources science and engineering research within the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD). ESD is an interdisciplinary research and development organization with more than 75 years of achievement in local, regional, national, and international environmental research. Our vision is to expand scientific knowledge and develop innovative strategies and technologies that strengthen the nation's leadership in sustaining Earth's natural resources. Our R&D staff conduct research, develop technology, and perform analyses to understand and assess the responses of environmental systems at the human-environment interface, as well as the consequences of alternative energy and environmental strategies.

This leadership role will serve as Group Leader for the Water Resource Science and Engineering (WRSE) Group. Researchers in the WRSE Group advance the understanding and management of water systems through multidisciplinary research, data analytics, modeling, engineering design, decision support, and visualization. The group develops innovative tools and technologies to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and adaptability of water resources, particularly in the context of energy production and infrastructure planning.

The group focuses on optimizing hydropower generation through decision-support tools for real-time operations and long-term planning. Modeling and analytics improve the performance of individual plants and fleets, maximizing output while balancing environmental and water-management needs. By leveraging advanced simulations, machine learning, and data-driven insights, the group enables more effective operations aligned with evolving energy demands.

The group also develops hydrologic and hydraulic models to assess water availability, river behavior, and watershed dynamics, and to anticipate changes in water quantity and quality. Using high-performance computing and large-scale simulations, researchers evaluate infrastructure resilience and risk across municipal water supplies, irrigation networks, and hydropower facilities, informing strategies to reduce disruptions and ensure reliable water access. Through this research and innovation, the WRSE Group supports informed water management, enabling energy systems, ecosystems, and communities to adapt to evolving challenges.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead world-class research by initiating and conducting independent R&D; ensure that engineers, scientists, and analysts are recognized leaders in their technical domains.
• Develop and implement a cohesive group vision and strategy for long-term growth; pursue new opportunities and expand existing programs.
• Serve as the immediate supervisor and build a high-performing, diverse team; attract, hire, and retain staff committed to world-class R&D.
• Mentor, coach, and develop staff; set performance goals aligned with group strategy and career objectives; provide timely feedback; sponsor staff for advancement; and offer input to the Section Head and Division Director on staff development.
• Represent ORNL's research capabilities to sponsors and external stakeholders; establish collaborations; take on leadership roles in professional societies; and connect staff to scientific and technical networks.
• Ensure safe, effective, and compliant operations; hold staff accountable for performance; lead regular technical group meetings; and review and certify the technical quality of proposals, publications, data and software releases, and other products.

• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Requires a Ph.D. with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience, a M.S. with a minimum of 12 years relevant experience or a B.S. with 15 years relevant experience.
• Established record of high-impact publications and recognized expertise in water resources research.
• Experience mentoring staff, effective communication and fostering team science culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience engaging with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program offices and aligning work with their strategic priorities.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced operations environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs to achieve operational excellence.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. DOE Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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.

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.