Chief Data Scientist - AI Safety

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments referred to as Directorates, each focused on specific scientific or functional areas with its own leadership and budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth & Biological Sciences, Physical & Computational Sciences, and Energy & Environment. In addition, we operate the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science user facility.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science‑based, mission‑focused solutions to complex real‑world threats. The AI and Data Analytics Division, part of NSD, integrates advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address data and analytic challenges, connecting research to engineering, operations, and deployment.

We are seeking a Chief Data Scientist with deep expertise in data science and AI Safety for national security missions. The role will lead multi‑year research and development programs, shape national technical direction, and serve as a strategic partner in aligning PNNL’s AI safety portfolio with evolving mission and policy requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic leadership and vision for advancing AI Safety research and trustworthy deployment practices within PNNL’s national security mission space.
• Partner with government sponsors to translate mission priorities into actionable research direction and investment opportunities.
• Lead high‑visibility proposal development for frontier‑model safety, agentic AI governance, secure machine learning operations, and evaluation infrastructure.
• Guide AI Safety programs, evaluate and characterize risks of large language models, multimodal models, and agentic AI systems.
• Support interdisciplinary teams and build collaborations across DOE laboratories, federal agencies, academia, and industry.
• Represent PNNL as a senior AI Safety expert in national forums and publish influential research.
• Mentor researchers and foster an inclusive, safety‑first innovation environment.

• Based in Richland, WA or Seattle, WA with onsite presence required.
• Clearance required.
• Travel may be required for stakeholder engagement, project events, and sponsor reviews.

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

• Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, data science, mathematics, or related discipline.
• Active DOE Q or TS/SCI clearance and ability to maintain such clearance.
• Demonstrated impact in AI Safety (peer‑reviewed publications, awards, community contributions).
• National reputation in AI Safety, frontier model evaluation, trustworthy AI, or related mission‑relevant areas.
• Experience with agentic AI safety, multi‑step reasoning systems, and related evaluation frameworks.
• Experience applying cutting‑edge AI/ML in national security environments.
• Experience as PI or project manager on multi‑institution R&D efforts.
• Strong record of securing external funding, managing research portfolios, and initiating new R&D programs.
• Experience with DOE, NNSA, DoD, DHS, or other mission agencies.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Not applicable.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. Background investigation includes review of employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with references, neighbors, and coworkers.

• U.S. citizenship.
• Background investigation and eligibility under 10 CFR 710, Appendix
  
  B.
• Pre‑employment drug testing for illegal drugs (including marijuana) for the 12 consecutive months preceding the requisition.

The role is a Testing Designated Position; the selected candidate will be subject to pre‑employment and random drug testing consistent with federal law.

PNNL is committed to providing a work environment where all…