Theoretical; T Division Leader; R&D Manager

What You Will Do

Reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director for Simulation, Computing and Theory (ALDSCT), the Theoretical (T) Division Leader is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and effective management of Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division. The Theoretical Division has an annual budget of $217.3 million. It is comprised of approximately 218 staff members, 104 postdoctoral researchers, 112 students, and 168 visiting scholars.

The Theoretical Division advances understanding of the physical world through both basic and applied theoretical and computational research, addressing pressing national security challenges while pushing the frontiers of science. Its interdisciplinary teams support a wide range of physics‑based disciplines and collaborate extensively with internal and external research partners to achieve mission and scientific excellence. This leader will demonstrate a record of sustained scientific achievement, successful program delivery, and effective advocacy for theoretical science.

They will bring proven experience in managing scientific organizations, a strong commitment to technical and operational excellence, and the ability to foster collaboration and innovation across diverse research domains. This includes areas of especial current importance: nuclear deterrence, global security and energy dominance, AI and data, and quantum information science.

The Theoretical Division Leader will:

• Provide scientific and technical leadership and management of the Division on all matters, including but not limited to stewarding scientific capabilities and developing and maintaining strategic plans as well as addressing staffing, budget, safety and security issues both near‑ and long‐term
• Be a proactive member of the SCT leadership team in defining and supporting the Lab mission, priorities and objectives including National Security programmatic missions
• Demonstrate the highest personal and intellectual integrity, the ability to establish trust, commitment to scientific and technical excellence, and operational effectiveness
• Ensure technical quality, scientific excellence, delivery on commitments, and seamless integration with safety and security
• Create an intellectual environment that is conducive to forward‑looking scientific research, development, innovation, and mission delivery, and which attracts, retains and develops the highest calibre scientific staff
• Advocate for and increase the value and visibility of LANL's theoretical research in national and international venues
• Work effectively to build collaborative relationships with our external partners (other national laboratories and universities, and tech partners) and across the Laboratory, including teaming with support organizations to address challenges facing the organization

• A record of successful scientific research and programmatic accomplishments in an area of Theoretical Division‑relevant research as evidenced by publications, citations, presentations, grants or programmatic support, and/or leadership of large technical projects
• Demonstrated experience managing broad, complex organizations or programs conducting foundational and national security research, displaying commitment to scientific excellence, effective project execution, and budget management
• Demonstrated ability to build programmatic and institutional support for mission priorities
• Experience attracting, developing, motivating, and managing a creative workforce, managing conflict, negotiating agreements, delegating authority, and building consensus
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with staff and stakeholders at all levels
• Experience in effective decision‑making and taking prudent risks
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance.

Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 15 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Knowledge of the Theoretical Division technical and research portfolio and an understanding of how the portfolio…