Associate Lab Director - Center of Excellence
What you'd do
This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, Department of Energy within the Research and Innovation Center. As an Associate Lab Director - Center of Excellence, you will provide direct line management and professional development for Division Directors and other key personnel, fostering a high-performance, and safe work environment.
Major duties
The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) is unleashing the full potential of America's hydrocarbon and geothermal resources to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy. Through applied innovation and U.S. energy leadership, HGEO develops and advances breakthrough technologies that lower costs and power American prosperity, freedom, and human flourishing. By leveraging America's hydrocarbon and geothermal resources, HGEO works to enhance reliable baseload power, strengthen grid reliability, and improve long-term energy security for communities nationwide. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy There are 3 vacancies to fill - one in the Coal Center of Excellence, one in the Oil & Gas Center of Excellence, and one in the Critical Minerals & Advanced Materials Center of Excellence. As an Associate Lab Director - Center of Excellence, you will: Translate the Center-level strategic research vision into concrete, day-to-day operational research plans, ensuring technical and scientific activities align with DOE Program Office priorities, project requirements, and Center objectives. Manage the Center's overall operational budget, personnel assignments, laboratories, facilities, and equipment - to ensure safe, efficient, mission-aligned use of high-value physical assets and full compliance with financial and operational policies. Plan, assign, and evaluate work performed across Center Divisions while championing workforce professional development, safety excellence, research security adherence, and equal opportunity principles. Establish and uphold Gold Standard research practices by enforcing rigorous scientific integrity, quality, and transparency requirements across all research activities, technical outputs, and documentation. Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks within laboratories and research operations by collaborating with ES&H, Research Security, Laboratory Operations, and other support elements to ensure adherence to safety regulations, research security policies, and ethical standards. Ensure timely and clear internal communication and programmatic reporting across Divisions and maintain strong, responsive working relationships with DOE program managers, project management staff, and NETL leadership; support external communications in coordination with Communications & Public Affairs and Partnerships.
What you need to qualify
BASIC REQUIREMENT: You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below. A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR B. Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. GS-15 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following: Led scientific or engineering teams in the execution of research, technical work, laboratory operations, or project delivery-ensuring alignment with program priorities, project plans, schedules, budgets, and quality standards. Supervised scientific or operational staff, to include assigning workloads, managing resources (personnel, facilities, equipment, budgets), evaluating work, and translating organizational direction into actionable operational plans. Served as a primary technical advisor representing an organization in negotiations, partnerships, or technical briefings with senior-level internal or external executives, contractors, or scientific partners. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration and current employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Before you apply
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