Job Description (show details...)

Summary

Serves as a business unit/group manager overseeing research and development employees and activities within one of the following disciplines: biological science, chemical science, earth science, materials science, physical science, engineering, or information/computing science and/or engineering.

NOTE:  This position denotes a manager of research and development science and engineering functions. For non-research and development engineering management functions, see Engineering Manager job descriptions.

Job Duties

1. Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training, assures safety and security compliance, and makes safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security. Serves as a model for the business unit/group in areas of safety and security behavior. Serves as a responsible steward of the environment and increases awareness of environmental laws and standards.
2. Responsible for the overall management of scientists/engineers, skilled support employees, and all reporting research and development managers within a research and development unit/group.
3. Manages the planning and coordination for multiple research and development activities, experiments, and processes for new technological initiatives and/or products at a research and development unit/group level.
4. Establishes research and development unit/group objectives and annual work plans and delegates assignments to reporting research and development managers. Responsible for recommending solutions, monitoring implementation status, and reporting progress towards research and development unit/group objectives and improvements, including work scope, technical capabilities, schedules, budget, and operations.
5. Ensures and models management behaviors to define and improve work flow and works cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
6. Provides counsel, advice, and assistance to employees and management on matters dealing with government legislation, Department of Energy (DOE) contract compliance, and/or Laboratory policies or procedures to ensure compliance.
7. Provides guidance, interpretation, and direction regarding policies and programs concerning research and development activities. Develops and implements updated processes and procedures in a timely manner.
8. Ensures proper communication to research and development unit/group employees on the implementation of research and development policies, procedures and practices.
9. Directs preparation of concise studies on complex subjects for senior-level management; identifies problem areas, investigates alternative solutions, determines cost implications, and selects and implements short- and long-term solutions to problems or opportunities for improvement.
10. Responsible for the research and development unit/group budget; reviews applicable segment of budgets in relation to research and development objectives to ensure cost effectiveness.
11. Directs the administration of research and development employees including, forecasting staffing requirements, adhering to action-oriented programs to address affirmative action placement goals, directing assignments, assuring workforce development, monitoring performance, and initiating personnel actions.
12. Fosters a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Job Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of and proven ability in one or more of the following research and development disciplines: biological science, chemical science, earth science, materials science, physical science, engineering, or information/computing science and/or engineering.
• Advanced knowledge of and proven ability in developing and implementing research and development projects and related processes.
• Advanced knowledge of and proven ability in conducting research and/or development activities, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions to problems affecting research and development activities, projects, and/or initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of and proven ability in implementing, enforcing, and providing guidance for Laboratory policy and government regulations affecting research and development activities, projects, and/or initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of and proven ability in implementing, enforcing, and providing guidance for Laboratory objectives and other statements of policy, practice, and/or procedure.
• Advanced knowledge of and proven ability in budget preparation and oversight.
• Advanced knowledge of and proven ability in management, supervision, and development of assigned employees.

Education

• Minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering.

Direction

A. Supervision Received

§           Receives functional and operational direction from higher-level research and development managers.

§           Works under nominal supervision.

B. Supervision Exercised

§           Provides functional and operational direction to reporting research and development managers and technical, operational, and administrative staff.

§           Builds effective teams and enhances the technical and professional skills of reporting staff at a research and development unit/group level.

C. Contacts

§           Internal contacts include research and development line, project/program, and senior managers.

§           External contacts may include parent companies, government agencies, and professional and community organizations.

§           Participates in peer review at research and development unit/group, organization/division, and possibly Laboratory-wide levels.

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.