Division Director - Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering
Physics World
Date: 23 hours ago
City: Ames, IA
Contract type: Full time
Ames National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory, seeks a Division Director for the Division of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE). The Division Director will lead one of the world’s top research centers for condensed matter physics and materials science. The ideal candidate is a motivated researcher in condensed matter physics, materials sciences, chemistry, or related fields, with a passion for interdisciplinary research and positive engagement with the entire Laboratory. The focus of this position is on leading the Division, supporting programs, people, and facilities crucial for the Laboratory. Successful candidates may also actively engage in research, preferably complementing existing research areas and skills.
DMSE conducts experimental and theoretical research on advanced materials, from fundamental condensed matter physics to applications in fusion, manufacturing, and heat pump technology. The team includes 67 staff members, 20 joint faculty with Iowa State University (ISU), ~50 students and postdocs, with an annual research budget of $24M. Major DOE funding comes from the Offices of Science, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), and Fossil Energy. DMSE research includes world-recognized programs in highly correlated and quantum materials, magnetic and caloric materials, metamaterials, single crystal growth, metal alloys, and powder metallurgy. Efforts in materials synthesis and characterization are highly coupled with strong efforts in advanced characterization such as photoemission, NMR, neutron, and x-ray scattering, ultrafast optics, as well as computational materials design. DMSE is a leader in rare-earth materials, including production of high-purity rare earth elements; novel magnetic, caloric, and quantum materials; and design, optimization, and application of rare-earth containing materials. Applied programs include alloy design for refractory alloys, and their application to fusion and high-temperature turbines, magnet manufacturing, and caloric materials for heat pumps. DMSE researchers are active in the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, a U.S. DOE Energy Innovation Hub led by Ames National Laboratory.
The successful candidate will have a strong vision for fundamental science, and its connection to early-stage applied research. They will engage effectively across all levels of the Laboratory and with external stakeholders; establish positive working relationships across all members of the division, and throughout the laboratory; and mentor researchers to help them develop strong, successful careers. The ability to create a positive culture, and to build and support a complex portfolio of projects and their leadership is essential. Ames Laboratory has a unique relationship with ISU, located on campus, which brings a uniquely academic environment to the laboratory. This is reflected in the number of graduate students and joint faculty supported by the Division. The Division Director should build upon the strengths and opportunities that the campus environment brings to the Laboratory.
The DMSE Director will oversee several research facilities including the Sensitive Instruments Facility (housing state-of-the-art electron-beam characterization capabilities), the Materials Preparation Center (a national resource for high-purity rare earth and other metals and alloys), and the Low Temperature Laboratory (providing cryogens and helium recovery for a variety of research laboratories in multiple buildings). The Advanced Magnet Facility is a new capability in the division. The division is also developing a Critical Minerals Refinery capability with over $15M in facility development.
The Division Director will manage researchers, facilities, and research programs, and participate in the Laboratory Scientific Leadership Team. They will develop and implement strategic planning for the Division, aligned with the Laboratory’s mission to deliver critical materials solutions to the nation. The Division Director will work with the Chief Research Officer to manage the DOE Basic Energy Sciences – Materials Sciences and Engineering portfolio, an Energy Frontier Research Center, and several multi-institutional efforts which span from basic to applied science programs. Candidates must have scientific credentials and relevant research interests aligned with our Basic Energy Sciences portfolio to provide leadership and vision to the research areas of the Division and of Ames National Laboratory as a whole.
Management responsibilities include overseeing the Division’s environmental, safety and health (ES&H), budgets, funding, workforce planning, human resources, environment, property, and facilities. Mentoring and developing Ames Lab scientists, and promoting a collaborative, innovative, ethical, diverse, and respectful environment are also key responsibilities.
This position serves at the pleasure of university administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies.
Required Qualifications
Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected]
DMSE conducts experimental and theoretical research on advanced materials, from fundamental condensed matter physics to applications in fusion, manufacturing, and heat pump technology. The team includes 67 staff members, 20 joint faculty with Iowa State University (ISU), ~50 students and postdocs, with an annual research budget of $24M. Major DOE funding comes from the Offices of Science, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), and Fossil Energy. DMSE research includes world-recognized programs in highly correlated and quantum materials, magnetic and caloric materials, metamaterials, single crystal growth, metal alloys, and powder metallurgy. Efforts in materials synthesis and characterization are highly coupled with strong efforts in advanced characterization such as photoemission, NMR, neutron, and x-ray scattering, ultrafast optics, as well as computational materials design. DMSE is a leader in rare-earth materials, including production of high-purity rare earth elements; novel magnetic, caloric, and quantum materials; and design, optimization, and application of rare-earth containing materials. Applied programs include alloy design for refractory alloys, and their application to fusion and high-temperature turbines, magnet manufacturing, and caloric materials for heat pumps. DMSE researchers are active in the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, a U.S. DOE Energy Innovation Hub led by Ames National Laboratory.
The successful candidate will have a strong vision for fundamental science, and its connection to early-stage applied research. They will engage effectively across all levels of the Laboratory and with external stakeholders; establish positive working relationships across all members of the division, and throughout the laboratory; and mentor researchers to help them develop strong, successful careers. The ability to create a positive culture, and to build and support a complex portfolio of projects and their leadership is essential. Ames Laboratory has a unique relationship with ISU, located on campus, which brings a uniquely academic environment to the laboratory. This is reflected in the number of graduate students and joint faculty supported by the Division. The Division Director should build upon the strengths and opportunities that the campus environment brings to the Laboratory.
The DMSE Director will oversee several research facilities including the Sensitive Instruments Facility (housing state-of-the-art electron-beam characterization capabilities), the Materials Preparation Center (a national resource for high-purity rare earth and other metals and alloys), and the Low Temperature Laboratory (providing cryogens and helium recovery for a variety of research laboratories in multiple buildings). The Advanced Magnet Facility is a new capability in the division. The division is also developing a Critical Minerals Refinery capability with over $15M in facility development.
The Division Director will manage researchers, facilities, and research programs, and participate in the Laboratory Scientific Leadership Team. They will develop and implement strategic planning for the Division, aligned with the Laboratory’s mission to deliver critical materials solutions to the nation. The Division Director will work with the Chief Research Officer to manage the DOE Basic Energy Sciences – Materials Sciences and Engineering portfolio, an Energy Frontier Research Center, and several multi-institutional efforts which span from basic to applied science programs. Candidates must have scientific credentials and relevant research interests aligned with our Basic Energy Sciences portfolio to provide leadership and vision to the research areas of the Division and of Ames National Laboratory as a whole.
Management responsibilities include overseeing the Division’s environmental, safety and health (ES&H), budgets, funding, workforce planning, human resources, environment, property, and facilities. Mentoring and developing Ames Lab scientists, and promoting a collaborative, innovative, ethical, diverse, and respectful environment are also key responsibilities.
This position serves at the pleasure of university administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. and 5 years of related experience
- Doctoral degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, or related fields. Track record in basic research for condensed matter physics, materials science, or related fields.
- Demonstrated capability of nurturing a positive culture in a multi-disciplinary team, including mentoring, developing, and evaluating scientific staff at various stages of their career.
- Understanding of DOE, its expectations, and mechanisms for funding National Laboratories, particularly Basic Energy Sciences. Experience with operational activities including ES&H, facilities, budgets, funding, property, and human resources.
- Leadership experience in a large, multi-disciplinary scientific organization with the ability to define, develop, and act towards the Division’s strategic goals. Experience in developing and leading complex scientific/engineering research initiatives including organizing multidisciplinary teams of researchers, and program / proposal development and evaluation.
Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected]
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