Research Operations Manager

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, Integrated Discovery 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 Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) leads fundamental research across biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, materials science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, mathematics, autonomy, and DOE national user facilities. Our vision is to accelerate scientific discovery by observing, understanding, simulating, predicting, and controlling dynamic biotic-abiotic processes and interactions within complex biological, chemical, material, and Earth systems. We intentionally connect disciplines to advance fundamental discovery science, develop transformative scientific capabilities, and address the nation’s most important challenges in energy, environmental resilience, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health, and national security.

The Integrative Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) is seeking a Research Operations Manager to shape and lead the operational strategy that enables its scientific mission. Reporting to the IDSD Chief Operating Officer, this leader will partner with research and M&O leaders to anticipate emerging needs, set operational priorities, strengthen performance and safety, and build capabilities that support current and future research. The role combines strategic counsel to directorate leadership with accountability for the Operations Office and reliable day‑to‑day execution.

The Operations Manager partners with IDSD leaders and M&O organizations to align operational capabilities, requirements, and investments with research priorities. The incumbent helps leadership assess tradeoffs, remove systemic barriers, and integrate effective operational solutions into mission execution.

In PNNL’s changing work environment, the Operations Manager anticipates emerging risks and requirements, advises on their implications for IDSD, and leads an appropriate response. The role also remains accountable for timely day‑to‑day support, including the ability to respond to significant events and issues 24/7 and to ensure that changes in organizational and Laboratory requirements are communicated and implemented effectively.

The Operations Manager reports to the IDSD Chief Operating Officer and works with line management, Project Management Office Directors, and research and support organizations at all levels. This leader mentors and manages Operations Office staff, influences decisions across organizational boundaries, and has latitude to make decisions on behalf of IDSD. The Operations Manager is considered an expert with respect to Environment Safety & Health (ES&H), Facilities & Operations (F&O) and Security related processes, procedures and requirements.

The work spans long‑term operational planning and organizational change as well as urgent issues requiring sound judgment, coordination, and follow‑through.

Key Expectations:

• Translate IDSD scientific priorities into a multiyear operational plan, with clear priorities for capabilities, infrastructure, staffing, and investment.
• Advise the IDSD Chief Operating Officer and leadership team on operational risks, options, and tradeoffs that affect research delivery and future capabilities.
• Lead the integration of operational practices across…