Chief Materials Scientist - Magnetic Materials

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. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges.

Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including modernizing our nation’s power grid, research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies, and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the DOE’s goals for national energy security.

We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage.

The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group is seeking a Chief Materials Scientist to lead technical direction and advance research in magnetic materials for next‑generation energy, electronics, and quantum technologies. Core responsibilities include:

• Providing technical leadership and expertise to existing research efforts, collaborating with stakeholders to define and shape future research programs.
• Leading research initiatives from mine‑to‑metal‑to-functional devices with a focus on rare‑earth and rare‑earth‑free magnets, soft and hard ferrites, and magnetic composites for power electronics and defense applications.
• Advancing mine‑to‑magnet and mine‑to‑metal‑to‑device workflows for critical material supply chains.
• Building high‑visibility research programs that leverage advanced concepts in ferromagnetic materials and Solid‑Phase Processing (SPP) methods to meet DOE and stakeholder goals.
• Mentoring junior and mid‑level scientists, recruiting strategic hires, and fostering a safety culture in lab operations.
• Communicating results 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 and 5+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications: PhD with 10+ years in magnetic and functional materials research or industry; established research record in magnetic property–microstructure–performance relationships; experience managing large, complex research projects; proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders; strong publication and patent record; excellent oral and written communication skills.

Employees and their families are offered medical, dental, and vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation support, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Telehealth care options
• Mental health benefits
• Free wellness coaching
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending accounts
• Basic life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Business travel insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Relocation support
• Backup childcare
• Legal benefits
• Supplemental parental bonding leave
• Surrogacy and adoption assistance
• Fertility support

Employees are automatically enrolled in a company‑funded pension plan and may enroll in a 401(k) savings plan with company match. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and receive ten paid…