Chief Data Scientist V – GEOINT Domain

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 National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

The AI and Data Analytics Division, part of NSD, combines profound domain expertise and creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering to operations, providing the tools to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths are integrated across the data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to analysis and decision support.

PNNL is seeking a Chief Data Scientist with deep expertise in data science and mission-specific knowledge in the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) domain. The selected candidate will lead large, multi-year research and development programs within the AI and Data Analytics Division, which includes over 400 staff specializing in data science, applied mathematics, advanced analytic architectures, software engineering, and human-centered computing.

As a nationally recognized leader in data science, the Chief Data Scientist will set strategic vision, direct complex research programs, and operationalize data-driven solutions to address critical national security challenges. This individual will guide technical direction, mentor interdisciplinary teams, and collaborate closely with software engineers to transition cutting-edge research into field-ready capabilities.

In addition to leading research efforts, the Chief Data Scientist will serve as a key interface with sponsors and stakeholders, leveraging domain expertise to align PNNL’s research agenda with evolving mission requirements. The chosen candidate will have the unique opportunity to drive real-world impact at mission tempo while supporting PNNL's mission to tackle grand challenges through science, technology, and innovation.

The successful candidate will work with talented multi-disciplinary teams on a variety of the nation’s most complex science and engineering problems, delivering advanced AI solutions into critical sponsor missions. At PNNL, we foster a collaborative, adventurous environment focused on lifelong learning and creative problem-solving, while striving for leadership in interdisciplinary, data-driven innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
  :
  Define and execute a strategic vision for large, multi-year GEOINT data science programs, advancing geospatial analytics and operational AI capabilities.
• Team Leadership
  :
  Lead and mentor diverse teams of data scientists and software engineers by guiding analytic methodologies, research approaches, and project implementation. This includes developing advance machine learning (ML) models, designing end-to-end workflows, and performing model testing and validation.
• Operational Integration
  :
  Collaborate with software engineering teams to integrate analytic capabilities into scalable, field-ready systems.
• Program Oversight
  :
  Serve as principal investigator on highly visible programs, ensuring technical excellence, meeting research milestones, and fostering sponsor relationships.
• Development of New Opportunities
  :
  Identify and lead proposal efforts to shape future investments in GEOINT analytics and AI research.
• Technical Representation
  :
  Represent PNNL leadership in GEOINT research via publishing, presenting in high-impact venues, and participating in national technical exchanges.
• Collaboration
  :
  Establish and foster partnerships across PNNL, other DOE national…