Director, Center Used Fuel Research

Description

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is seeking a seasoned and visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Center for Used Fuel Research. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of global nuclear waste research and policy through technical, regulatory, and diplomatic engagement. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our REC facility with every other Friday off.

The Director will serve as the Center's top executive, responsible for the strategic direction, international leadership, and operational management of this flagship institution. This position demands exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills—attributes that are considered more critical to success than academic credentials alone. Executive experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments may be considered in lieu of advanced academic degrees.

• Lead the Center's mission to support the safe and scientifically defensible management of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste worldwide.
• Serve as the principal representative to DOE, INL, the Center Oversight Council, international partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Oversee a diverse executive team and guide the execution of applied research and development focused on storage, disposal, transport, and regulatory tools.
• Communicate complex technical and policy matters with clarity to regulators, policymakers, and global technical organizations.
• Build and sustain partnerships with international waste management authorities, multinational bodies, and private sector collaborators.
• Ensure Center activities comply with DOE Orders, NRC regulations, FAR/DEAR, and applicable international legal agreements.
• Cultivate an organizational culture of excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate future applied R&D activities directly with DOE leadership and leaders from industry, national laboratories, and universities.
• Be the spokesperson addressing the back‑end of the nuclear fuel cycle to help better position the nuclear industry for success.

• Baccalaureate degree in a scientific or other technical field from an accredited institution, 10 years of relevant experience, and a minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in government, industry, or international nuclear policy.
• Demonstrated success leading large, multidisciplinary programs or organizations, particularly within highly regulated environments.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience engaging with senior government officials, international delegates, and technical staff.
• Deep understanding of regulatory, policy, or operational issues related to nuclear fuel cycle management, waste disposition, or national laboratory operations.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy “Q” clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.

• Executive or senior leadership experience at a DOE national laboratory, NRC, multinational nuclear organization, or commercial waste management entity.
• Experience navigating DOE Orders, regulations, and international agreements.
• Background in negotiating CRADAs, MOUs, and User Agreements for public‑private or international collaboration.
• Familiarity with export control regimes (10 CFR Part 810, EAR, ITAR) and foreign national engagement requirements.

• The target pay range for this position is $159,054 - $230,070 annually. The full pay range is $127,596 - $331,752. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP:
  This is a testing‑designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre‑employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
• At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1‑B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop,…