Physics World · 1 day ago
National Ignition Facility User Office Director - Active Security Clearance Required
Livermore, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$282K/yr - $360K/yrLawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a leader in advancing science and technology for national security. They are seeking a Director to lead the National Ignition Facility User Office, managing user access, proposal processes, and stakeholder engagement to support mission-aligned experiments in various scientific domains.
Publishing
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Develop and establish operational and facility policies governing user access, proposal submission, publication practices, training development and compliance, and information management and data handling for experiments conducted at NIF
Lead the annual proposal solicitations and peer review processes for experimental campaigns across the SSP, NSA, DLI and DS mission areas, working with review committees, sponsors, and scientific disciplines to ensure technical merit and feasibility
Participates in the development of the facility use plan and integrated experiment schedule, coordinating with campaign leads, program sponsors, and operations to align priorities with facility availability and national security objectives
Serve as the primary point-of-contact for the user community, working to understand and advocate for external and internal stakeholder needs, including academic, DOE/NNSA, DoD, and international science partners
Manage experimental readiness and organizational execution planning in coordination with NIF operations, ensuring compliance with safety, security, and programmatic requirements
Serve as the primary systems engineer point-of-contact for the suite of data system tool suite used for NIF experiment proposals, management and approvals
Develop and establish user and student engagement strategies, including annual NIF/JLF Users Group meeting, advisory groups, workshops, and governance forums that support long-term facility planning, education and capability development
Represent the User Office to Laboratory leadership, the NNSA, other national laboratories, universities, and government agencies, providing updates on user engagement, scheduling, performance, and scientific outcomes
Provide briefings, reports, and recommendations to NIF leadership, NNSA sponsors, external advisory committees, and user councils on facility utilization and performance, program balance, and community needs
Delegate assignments to User Office staff responsible for user logistics, communications, scheduling coordination, site access, and experiment documentation
Promote a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, professionalism, and transparency across the user community and within the User Office
Promote experimental work and findings performed on the NIF
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire
PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and extensive experience resolving complex problems and developing, planning and coordinating solutions
Advanced experience in high energy density physics, inertial confinement fusion, or related large-scale experimental research programs
Demonstrated experience in leadership and organizational development in a scientific, programmatic, or facility management role involving coordination across multiple stakeholders, institutions, or sponsors
Experience leading peer review, experiment planning, or multi-program scheduling at a user facility or comparable research environment
Experience working with DOE/NNSA, national laboratories, or other government sponsors and an understanding of mission requirements associated with Stockpile Stewardship and related national security programs
Demonstrated ability to represent institutional interests to sponsors, advisory groups, academic collaborators, and internal senior management
Expert communication, facilitation, collaboration, and interpersonal skills necessary to direct an organization, lead innovative research and operations, build cooperative multi-disciplinary teams, and interact with management and customers/sponsors
Strong problem-solving, organizational, negotiating and analytical skills necessary to guide complex scientific planning activities, evaluate competing priorities, and ensure successful program execution
Demonstrated experience fostering a high-performing, respectful, and collaborative work environment
Demonstrated success in recruiting, hiring, and retaining staff across various roles
Preferred
Experience interacting with DOE/NNSA program offices relevant to HED, ICF, or stewardship science
Knowledge of user facility governance models or prior leadership within a scientific user program
Familiarity with LLNS, DOE, and NNSA policies and procedures related to experiment authorization, site access, and information management
Experience coordinating external user groups, advisory committees, or inter-laboratory scientific collaborations
Experience as a qualified derivative classifier
Experience with the NIF shot proposal process
Benefits
Flexible Benefits Package
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Education Reimbursement Program
Flexible schedules (•depending on project needs)
Company
Physics World
Physics World is print and digital science magazine that features the latest interviews, information, and news from the physics world.
Founded in 1988
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase