Requisition Id 9811 

Overview: 

We are seeking an individual to spearhead, coordinate, and provide program management of ORNL activities in support of US development of a fusion pilot plant (FPP) technology roadmap.  Leveraging burgeoning interest in both the public and private sector in delivering a US fusion pilot plant expeditiously, this individual will work closely with the Fusion Energy Division Director to advance an ORNL research and development portfolio that strongly supports and advances the US’s fusion pilot plant vision.  This position will report to the ORNL Fusion Energy Division Director.

As part of a team with established expertise in confinement and exhaust, simulation, materials, blankets, fuel cycle, engineering, fusion technology, remote systems, and engineering, your primary responsibility will be to initiate, develop, and nurture partnerships (internally with other Divisions/Directorates and within the public and private sectors) that leverage ORNL’s collective expertise to develop and execute on an ORNL vision for a FPP technology roadmap.  This includes managing and growing private sector engagement with ORNL in the DOE-sponsored milestone program and developing relationships that encourage private company involvement in Strategic Partnership Projects with the Lab.

This effort will include advancing relevant FPP reference designs, coordinating FPP research and development activities, and developing strong partnerships with private fusion industry. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and articulating the vision, working with other ORNL Divisions to leverage their expertise and capabilities, establishing strategic partnerships with external partners that provide significant added value to the ORNL portfolio, identifying/addressing workforce development needs, and implementing a work plan that delivers a sufficiently developed pre-conceptual design to motivate and prioritize the accompanying R&D program.   You will also work with other US national design teams, potentially including some from private industry, to identify, prioritize, and provide technical support in areas where ORNL has technical strengths.  As time is available, you will also be able to be an active research participant in these activities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute ORNL’s vision for a fusion pilot plant and associated milestone-based technology roadmap, working closely with the FED Division Director as well as other Division Directors, ORNL staff, external partners, and DOE
• Identify, develop, nurture, and manage external partnerships, both public and private, that leverage both parties’ strengths and aspirations
• Actively engage with ORNL staff across the spectrum of technical disciplines to identify the most appropriate technical approaches
• Communicate regularly with DOE on emerging needs and opportunities for the national pre-conceptual design and technology roadmap activities
• Work closely with Section Heads and Division Directors across ORNL to identify, propose new activites, and deploy resources on emerging needs
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Basic Qualifications:

• Requires a Technical Degree with 15-20 years of relevant experience
• Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing multi-institutional R&D teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience in working in research partnerships, either through research participation or coordination role
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently in conceptualizing, initiating, and evaluating research opportunities
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Desirable Qualifications:

• Demonstrated capability to develop compelling, actionable research and development plans and to execute on these plans
• Ability to motivate and coordinate research staff towards common goals
• Demonstrated passion for aggressive pursuit of a fusion pilot plant

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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.