Associate Laboratory Director; ALD), Energy and Environment Directorate

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system;

and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for Energy and Environment is responsible for providing inspirational leadership and direction to PNNL’s Energy and Environment Directorate (EED), shaping its strategic vision, and driving excellence in science and technology. EED’s research spans advanced energy systems, nuclear energy innovation, grid modernization, subsurface and environmental engineering, and technologies that enhance the reliable production, delivery, and use of energy.

The ALD will set the vision and direction for EED and integrate its capabilities with PNNL’s broader mission goals. They will report directly to the Laboratory Director and serve as a key member of the Laboratory Leadership Team (LLT).

This position fosters collaboration and effective communication across PNNL and with other national laboratories, academia and industry partners to ensure the attainment of scientific and technical objectives. This position is accountable for obtaining programmatic funding, achieving financial targets, and overseeing the operational success of the directorate in partnership with technical leaders and ALDs from across the Laboratory. The ALD is responsible for building relationships with key stakeholders across the U.S. Department of Energy, other federal sponsors, state funding agencies, business and industry partners, research groups, and elected officials.

• Vision and Strategic Direction: Define and implement strategic objectives that align with the Laboratory’s mission and vision, with a focus on growing funding, expanding impactful programs, and positioning the Directorate for long-term national relevance. Partner with the Laboratory Director, the Laboratory Leadership Team, and other stakeholders to shape PNNL’s institutional science and technology (S&T) strategy.
• Program and Business Development: Anticipate emerging programmatic needs, market trends, and identify new opportunities to develop and evolve a sustainable, forward-looking business strategy that advances DOE missions and national priorities.
• People and Culture: Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive workforce by nurturing scientific, technical, and managerial talent; foster a culture of excellence; and grow the next-generation of leaders. Promote collaboration across PNNL, other DOE laboratories, and Battelle to support knowledge sharing and joint initiatives.
• Operational Stewardship: Ensure the Directorate’s operations are conducted safely, securely, and responsibly, in alignment with regulatory requirements, environmental stewardship, and internal performance standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships: Cultivate strategic, influential relationships with external stakeholders, including the DOE, federal and state funding agencies, industry partners, research groups, and government officials at all levels—to strengthen collaboration and drive collective impact.