Chief Materials Scientist - Magnetic Materials

Overview

The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group within the Energy Processes & Materials Division at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Chief Materials Scientist to lead the technical direction and advance research and development in magnetic materials for next‑generation energy, electronics, and quantum technologies. This is an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a world‑class, interdisciplinary research program that is pushing the envelope on next‑generation functional materials manufacture for a variety of energy technology applications.

PNNL’s research in this area seeks to understand the underpinning physics of soft and hard magnetic materials, subject to composition and various processing methods, and translate that understanding to application. An emphasis is on how emerging process technologies like Solid‑Phase Processing (SPP) can be used to synthesize bulk materials with enhanced magnetic properties, while reducing or eliminating the need for rare‑earth elements.

This highly accomplished researcher has deep expertise in magnetic materials, functional materials, electrification technologies, and advanced manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will lead research initiatives from mine‑to‑metal‑to‑functional devices, focusing on rare‑earth and rare‑earth‑free magnets, soft and hard ferrites, and magnetic composites for power electronics and defense applications.

This role requires a strong foundation in materials science, physics, and manufacturing operations, with demonstrated excellence in research and innovation. The Chief Materials Scientist will also have significant responsibility for supporting the development and growth of the magnetic and functional materials capability at PNNL, including defining and validating new, stakeholder‑relevant applications; proposing and advocating for strategic equipment acquisitions; recommending new hires;

and mentoring junior to mid‑career staff on the team. The successful candidate will have a clear reputation as a national expert in the design, processing, and application of ferromagnetic materials and demonstrate an understanding of, and enthusiasm for, the potential for innovative methods to enable the scalable manufacture of high‑performance magnetics.

• Continue to expand an already established technical reputation through application of science and engineering principles and theories, and develop technical approaches to solve challenges;
• Provide strategy, technical leadership, and expertise in magnetic materials research, including hard/soft magnets, nanostructured alloys, magnetic composites, and rare‑earth‑free systems for high‑performance systems;
• Advance mine‑to‑magnet and mine‑to‑metal‑to‑device workflows for critical material supply chains;
• Lead efforts in metallurgy processing and critical materials recovery;
• Define and shape future research programs in collaboration with internal teams, industry partners, academia, and government agencies;
• Lead efforts to build new, high‑visibility research programs aligned with Department of Energy and other stakeholder goals;
• Mentor junior and mid‑level scientists for career development and establishing a safety culture in lab operations, recommend strategic hires, and guide technical development in growth areas;
• Advocate for strategic equipment acquisitions and capability growth;
• Translate stakeholder needs into funded research programs leveraging organizational strengths;
• Communicate effectively through publications, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD with 10+ years of research or industrial experience in magnetic and functional materials.
• Established research record in magnetic property–microstructure–performance relationships.
• Experience managing large, complex research projects and building multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships at the highest levels across multiple organizations/agencies and to leverage…