Associate Laboratory Director; ALD), National Security Directorate

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to 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 Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for National Security is responsible for providing inspirational leadership and direction to PNNL’s National Security Directorate (NSD), shaping its strategic vision and driving excellence in science and technology. The ALD will set the vision and direction for NSD and integrate its capabilities with PNNL’s broader mission goals. The National Security Directorate has approximately 1600 staff and an annual budget of $800+M.

They will report directly to the Laboratory Director and serve as a key member of the Laboratory Leadership Team (LLT).

The ALD will lead a talented workforce and oversee distinct capabilities within the directorate to include nuclear, chemical, and biological technologies, data science and engineering and foreign intelligence analysis. The ALD is the Senior Intelligence Executive, and oversees the operations of the Field Intelligence Element.

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 from the across the Laboratory. The ALD is responsible for building relationships with key stakeholders across the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and other federal sponsors, state funding agencies, business and industry partners, 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.
• People and Culture: Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive workforce by nurturing scientific, technical, 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 joint initiatives.
• Program and Business Development: Anticipate emerging programmatic needs and market trends, and identify new opportunities to develop and evolve a sustainable, forward-looking business strategy that advances DOE missions and national priorities.
• 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.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to influence, make decisions, and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to…