Group Leader, Macromolecular Nanomaterials

Requisition Id 17325 Overview: We are seeking an R&D Group Leader for the Macromolecular Nanomaterials (Macro) Group within the Nanomaterials Synthesis and Nanofabrication Section at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS). The CNMS provides the national and international user communities access to expertise and equipment for a broad range of nanoscience research, including nanomaterials synthesis, nanofabrication, imaging/microscopy/characterization, and theory/modeling/simulation. The selected group leader will be part of the Nanomaterials Synthesis and Nanofabrication Section, which develops and applies state-of-the-art synthesis and diagnostics methods to understand growth mechanisms and function of complex materials in support of the CNMS user program and in-house theme science. As a Senior R&D Staff Member and Group Leader at the CNMS, your work will combine science with leadership. As a Group Leader, you will be instrumental in shaping and implementing division strategies across your group to deliver world-leading science along with a robust and impactful collaborative user program. This will include leading and conducting groundbreaking, scientific research in your own area of expertise as part of the CNMS theme science program as well as through external programs related to material synthesis and nanofabrication. The Macromolecular Nanomaterials (MACRO) Group advances the synthesis, characterization, and understanding of polymers, soft matter, and complex molecular materials. The group integrates precision macromolecular synthesis, advanced characterization, computational modeling, and emerging autonomous experimentation approaches to understand and control molecular structure, interactions, and materials functionality. Distinctive capabilities include precision polymer synthesis, isotopic labeling and deuteration, advanced spectroscopy, and additive manufacturing. The group plays a central role in connecting molecular design and synthesis with neutron scattering research at ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor. Looking forward, the group is expanding its capabilities in AI-guided synthesis, automated experimentation, and integrated characterization to accelerate the discovery and development of functional soft materials. The Group Leader provides R&D leadership to the group that strategically advances science and technology consistent with ORNL’s position as a premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture, while also conducting their own research and working directly and collaboratively with users. At the CNMS, the group leader will also work with staff across the Center to simultaneously cultivate and grow new and ongoing areas of scientific research as well as identify new capabilities that meet the demands of our user community. The R&D group leader brings together a group of peers with the primary goal of pursuing global scientific leadership in their field, nurtures ORNL’s culture among group members, and continues to build and scale up individual excellence and impact in R&D. The R&D group leader reports to and works closely with the R&D section head and division director to implement the group’s scientific vision; develops group members to enable their career advancement; establishes capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one’s respective specialty; sets, implements, and models standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures an inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated. Major Duties/Responsibilities: Lead and champion internationally renowned, innovative science related to soft matter synthesis, in situ diagnostics and development of autonomous synthesis platforms. Be responsible for initiating, planning and ma…

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