Job Description (show details...)

Summary

Responsible for translating national needs into technological objectives for scientific research and development (R&D) which is defined as the application of scientific principles under the scientific method to address technical problems; or to develop novel techniques or principles; or to analyze data or outcomes from experiments (in the real world or in the computational domain) or from observational procedures in the context of the underlying scientific principles or models. Recognized as a technical expert in area of specialization.

Job Duties

1. Safety and security are primary responsibilities for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training and assures compliance; makes safety and security an integral part of every task. Takes steps to stop work if unsafe conditions exist or security is compromised.
2. Adheres to scientific policies, programs, procedures and practices.
3. Promotes a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and that supports cooperation, teamwork, and resource sharing.
4. Follows the generally-accepted procedure of the Scientific Method, namely: (1) observation of specific phenomena, (2) construction of  an hypothesis or hypotheses to explain these phenomena, (3) testing of the hypothesis or hypotheses by experiment or other measurable, empirical techniques, and (4) dissemination of ideas, models, tests, data, and hypotheses to the peer community and beyond.
5. Integrates broad scientific/technical/engineering knowledge across disciplines and/or people to develop specialized, state-of-the-art technical solutions for an extensive and diverse range of complex and/or ambiguous problems where analysis requires in-depth evaluation of intangibles.
6. Contributes to large-scale technical projects to solve national/international technology grand challenges. Sets or approves technical approach for solving problems and meeting client needs. Determines and pursues courses of action necessary to obtain desired results.
7. Develops innovative advanced concepts, theories, methods, techniques and approaches to address specialized problems. Influences industry standards and procedures and guides their application to projects and programs. Identifies, promotes, and develops new technical capabilities within Laboratory.
8. Serves as primary author of technical products such as journal papers, reports, presentations, and concept papers intended for complex-wide/national audiences. Develops intellectual property leading to publications, copyrights, and/or patents. May contribute to technology transfer.
9. Influences division, product line, and/or directorate strategies and directions. Leads technical decision-making at major project level. Makes decisions and/or recommendations that guide the successful completion of major programs.
10. Develops and implements project management plans for moderate to large high-risk projects. Leads the development of scope, schedule, and budget and defines deliverables at project or program level. Manages moderate to large, complex and/or high-risk projects, involving multiple tasks, capabilities, and organizations.
11. Actively participates in professional societies, complex interactions, special assignments, and/or external collaborations. Organizes internal/external working groups, meetings, and colloquia.
12. Leads peer review across organizations or disciplines and participates in external peer review.
13. Serves as technical resource and mentor to staff across the division. Leads mentoring and training for technical staff.
14. Develops and implements plans for new and significant project development opportunities. Leads development of technical section of large, complex proposals.
15. Acquires internal/external funding for self and others.
16. Collaborates as expert to developments in industry and influences the development of new skills consistent with state-of-the-art. Establishes technological qualifications for field.

Job Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge and proven ability in one or more technical research and development disciplines.
• Comprehensive understanding of principles of scientific integrity.
• Advanced knowledge and proven ability in developing and implementing technical research and development projects, including the formulation and testing of hypotheses, investigation of alternative solutions, and recommendation of solutions to technical problems.
• Advanced knowledge and proven ability in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences and readerships.
• Advanced knowledge and proven experience of appropriate safe practices for technical work.

Education

• Typical educational requirement is an advanced degree in science from an accredited college or university.

Direction

A. Supervision Received

• Receives nominal supervision on all but the most complex problems and solutions. 

B. Supervision Exercised

• Coordinates, monitors, and redirects the work of technical staff to achieve predetermined long-range goals. Provides technical direction to multi-disciplinary teams or multiple teams for Laboratory-wide initiatives.

C. Contacts

• Position typically requires ability to build effective multi-disciplinary teams and to interact with Laboratory- and complex-wide networks. Represents the Laboratory to external agencies. Interacts routinely with Laboratory middle- and senior-level management.

This description is not intended to be a complete statement of every aspect of the position, but rather to act as a guide to the essential functions to be performed. Assigned functions of this job may vary, and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at the discretion of management.