Director of Department of Materials Science
Argonne National Laboratory
United States

Position Description

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for the Director of its Materials Science Division (MSD), a senior executive leadership position within the Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate.

The successful candidate will provide strategic, scientific, and operational leadership for a major multidisciplinary research division focused on materials science, condensed matter physics, materials chemistry, and advanced materials synthesis.

The Director will advance research programs addressing national priorities in energy technologies, quantum information science, microelectronics, materials discovery, and U.S. scientific competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the division's long-term scientific vision and research strategy.

• Lead research programs in quantum materials, superconductivity, magnetic materials, energy storage, and advanced materials synthesis.

• Promote interdisciplinary collaborations across Argonne and with universities, industry, national laboratories, and federal research agencies.

• Oversee research operations, financial resources, recruitment, infrastructure, and professional development.

• Strengthen relationships with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), particularly the Office of Science and Basic Energy Sciences.

• Lead major research initiatives and competitive funding proposals.

• Represent the division nationally and internationally.

• Promote research excellence, scientific integrity, workplace safety, and collaborative leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• At least 15 years of professional experience, including scientific leadership and research management.

• Demonstrated ability to establish strategic research priorities.

• Proven experience building and managing multidisciplinary research teams.

• Internationally recognized scientific achievements and publication record.

• Successful record of securing and managing external research funding.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience at a national laboratory, major research institute, or research university.

• Established professional relationships with DOE Office of Science, particularly BES-MSE.

• Experience directing large-scale multidisciplinary research programs.

• Knowledge of federal research priorities in quantum information science, microelectronics, and clean energy.

• Experience mentoring early- and mid-career scientists.

• Demonstrated ability to establish an inclusive and collaborative research culture.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

1. Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, including publications, patents, and major awards.

2. Cover Letter explaining:

   • Interest in the position.

   • Major scientific and leadership accomplishments.

   • Alignment with the required and preferred qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated annual salary range is $253,997–$396,235.71.

Argonne offers a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Argonne National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. It encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of legally protected characteristics.

Employment is subject to background checks and applicable federal security and research compliance requirements.

Overall Position Assessment

This is an executive-level research leadership opportunity particularly suited to:

• Experienced national laboratory division directors.

• University department chairs and senior professors.

• Directors of major materials science research institutes.

• Distinguished scientists with substantial research administration experience.

• Senior research executives with established DOE funding relationships.

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