Director, Energy Geosciences Division

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks an outstanding scientific leader and researcher to serve as the Director of the Energy Geosciences Division. Reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director for Earth & Environmental Sciences, the Energy Geosciences Division Director is responsible for providing vision and leadership for the research and operations activities of the Division, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $45 to $50 million and a staff of 105 employees and 110 affiliates. The Director has responsibility and accountability for all areas of management within the division, including scientific research, operations, finance, human resources, and environment, health and safety. The Director establishes a culture of excellence, equity, and inclusion, providing outstanding scientists and professional staff with a supportive work environment, skillful mentoring, and ongoing development to be successful in their careers. A key responsibility is to enhance existing research programs, facilitate the development of new programs, and empower scientists to pursue strategic funding opportunities that help grow the research portfolio in line with the Division’s strategy. In addition, the Director is expected to build and maintain an active portfolio of research aligned with one of the Energy Geoscience Division’s research priorities.

The Director will serve as a member of the executive team for the Earth & Environmental Sciences Area, comprising the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division, Energy Geosciences Division, and Area Operations team. As a member of Berkeley Lab's management, the Director is expected to build collaborative partnerships and programs within the Earth & Environmental Sciences Area, with other Divisions across Berkeley Lab, academia and the broader ecosystem that includes industry partners, other national laboratories, and state and federal agencies. The Energy Geosciences Division’s research program is funded by multiple programs within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as well as through Strategic Partnership Projects with industry partners; the Division’s fundamental science investigations are supported by the Basic Energy Sciences program in the Office of Science, whereas the applied science portfolio is mainly supported by DOE’s Geothermal Technologies Office, by the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, and the Office of Nuclear Energy. The Director will serve as the spokesperson for the Division in interactions with DOE and other government agencies. The Energy Geosciences Division Director will contribute to the strategic leadership of large-scale Laboratory initiatives and responsible stewardship of the Lab’s research, people and assets.  

About the Energy Geosciences Division at Berkeley Lab:

The Energy Geosciences Division’s mission is to study the Earth’s subsurface and develop knowledge and tools for using and managing the underground resources there. We collaborate with a wide range of partners to deliver research that is impactful, diverse, and informed. The Division’s research portfolio focuses on the sustainable use of Earth’s energy resources, especially as they relate to geothermal energy, carbon management, nuclear waste disposal, water resources management, and the societal and environmental impact of energy production. Research ranges from discovering new principles that govern how Earth’s subsurface works; to exploring how we can extract energy and critical minerals or store carbon underground; to studying the resilience of our water and energy infrastructure. Learn more about the Division here.

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. DOE national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship, which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Leadership:

• Provide scientific and operational leadership for the Energy Geosciences Division’s research programs, overseeing a $45- to $50-million annual portfolio and staff of 105 employees (including scientists, postdoctoral fellows, administrative, technical and operations staff, and students), as well as 110 affiliates.  
• Develop and maintain an independently funded research program/portfolio in an innovative research area aligned with Energy Geosciences Division’s research programs/priorities, providing an example of outstanding scientific accomplishment for the Division.
• Effectively manage existing research programs and guide the strategic research direction for the Division, including development of new initiatives aimed at securing external R&D funding aligned with the Area’s strategic vision and plan.
• Participate in formulating the research policy and long-term direction of the Laboratory as a whole, and provide consultation to the Laboratory Director, Deputy Directors, and Associate Laboratory Director regarding new initiatives for the strategic direction of the Laboratory.

Partnership, Communications, and Culture:

• Work collaboratively with the Earth & Environmental Sciences Area’s Associate Laboratory Director and Climate & Ecosystems Sciences Division Director to develop research initiatives, programs, and other activities that advance the mission of the Area; build teams and programs that integrate the Energy Geosciences Division with other Scientific Areas and Divisions.
• Collaborate with colleagues at UC Berkeley and other research institutions to develop cooperative programs for the mutual benefit of Berkeley Lab and its partners.
• Develop and maintain programs with industrial partners to advance Division and DOE goals, working with Berkeley Lab's Intellectual Property Office to consider entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and commercialization of Division science. 
• Champion and communicate the Energy Geosciences Division’s mission, goals, and accomplishments to Division members, funding sponsors, Berkeley Lab staff and leadership, and to the broader research community.
• Serve as a point of contact to DOE officials for related research, and influence and implement DOE policies as they impact the Energy Geosciences Division.
• Lead by example to ensure the principles of stewardship, inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability are modeled and implemented to create an inclusive and respectful working environment and culture where all staff are supported to be successful.

Research Operations:

• Partner with operations staff to ensure accountability and operational efficiencies across the full range of operations areas, including budgets, funding, workforce planning, human resources management, environmental, health, and safety, property, space, and facilities management.
• Oversee and provide strategic advice to the departments and groups within the Division; manage Department Heads and Research and Operations Deputies.
• Address management and resource challenges of a complex organization.
• Oversee the recruitment, development and retention of employees through active mentoring and promoting a culture of inclusion, equity, diversity and psychological safety.
• Champion a safety culture of accountability; ensure the Division, its laboratories and field programs are in compliance with Berkeley Lab and EHS safety requirements. 
• As a team member of the Laboratory’s management team, work to advance the interests of Berkeley Lab and assure efficient, effective, and safe operation of the Laboratory.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or equivalent education/experience in geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, geomechanics, or a related field, and at least 10 years of professional experience. 
• Recognized expert and leader in scientific field with an internationally recognized record of research accomplishments.
• Significant experience and demonstrated competence in the management of scientific projects and collaborative science, including maintaining an active research program.
• Ability to interact effectively with funding agencies, and demonstrated ability to initiate substantial new research efforts and collaborations.
• Demonstrated scientific and strategic leadership ability applicable to running a large, diverse, team-oriented organization with a multidisciplinary group of scientists and engineers.
• Management experience in effective people, project, and program oversight, displaying creativity in decision-making and problem-solving in complex organizations.
• Proven track record in advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to interact at the highest level of management internally and externally in a constructive and collaborative manner that appropriately represents the Laboratory. 

Application Guidelines:

• For full consideration, please submit your CV and cover letter by January 15, 2025. 
• In the cover letter, please highlight your: (i) Interest and vision ideas for the position; (ii) Relevant research experience and accomplishments, including research interests you would pursue; (iii) Relevant organizational leadership experience, including size of teams managed; and (iv) Personal contributions to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Please limit your letter to 2 to 3 pages.

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is expected to pay $300,000 to $365,000, which fits within the full salary range of $231,528 to $480,552 for the Scientific Division Director job classification. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, as well as aligned with the internal leadership peer group.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• The Energy Geosciences Division Director is an at-will position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director. 
• This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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