Group Leader, Accelerator Physics

Requisition Id15728

We are seeking a Group Leader for Accelerator Physics (AP) who will focus on executing an R&D portfolio advancing the state of the art in the control, simulation and modelling of high‑intensity, high‑power hadron beams and supporting the safe, reliable operation of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) accelerator. The AP Group Leader will work closely with the Accelerator Science and Technology (AScT) Section Head to implement a cohesive vision for science and operation, guide group members’ career development, and engage the wider accelerator physics community.

• Provide R&D leadership to the group to strategically advance the science and technology of high‑power, high‑intensity particle accelerators.
• Support long‑term R&D efforts in AP including advanced injection techniques, space charge simulation and theory, and control and mitigation of beam halo and other beam loss mechanisms, and machine learning efforts.
• Provide leadership to the group to support safe, reliable operation of the SNS accelerator through the supervision of area physicists and applications team lead, as well as the development of high‑level software tools, beam tuning procedures, frequent communication with SNS operations, and managing resources as needed to support emergent operational issues.
• Ensure continuity of AP’s R&D and operations missions through appropriate staffing and proactive knowledge transfer.
• Engage with the wider accelerator physics and technology community through workshops, conferences, and professional societies to further the goals of the group and benefit group members’ career development.
• Set, implement and model standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• A PhD in accelerator physics, nuclear or elementary particle physics, plasma physics or a related discipline and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with accelerator operation and R&D.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever‑changing needs.
• A proven ability to translate physics models, tools, and insights into operationally impactful outcomes.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD‑12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

• If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain…