Materials Science Division Director

Role details

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for the position of Director for the Materials Science Division (MSD), a core research division within the Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate. MSD drives foundational scientific discovery and innovation in condensed matter physics, materials chemistry, and synthesis science to address the nation’s most pressing challenges in energy, information science, microelectronics, and national competitiveness.

Division research spans fundamental synthesis, advanced characterization, theory, and modeling across diverse materials classes, including quantum materials, magnetic and superconducting phenomena, energy conversion and storage materials, complex oxides and heterostructures, 2D and nanoscale systems, and soft matter. Leveraging world-class experimental and computational capabilities, including the Advanced Photon Source (APS), the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM), the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF), and AI-driven autonomous synthesis and discovery platforms, the division delivers transformative science and partnerships that define the future of materials design.

The Division Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for a distinguished portfolio of scientific research programs, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and expand the division’s scientific footprint. This role includes developing and executing a compelling research vision aligned with Argonne’s mission and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) priorities, especially within the Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES), while strengthening external partnerships and ensuring excellence in safety, organizational performance, and alignment with Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to define and advance the division’s scientific strategy and research priorities, spanning quantum materials, emergent electronic and magnetic phenomena, precision and autonomous synthesis science, energy storage and conversion materials, correlated electron systems, and AI/ML-accelerated materials discovery.
• Lead the development of ambitious, cohesive research agendas that leverage MSD’s core strengths and Argonne’s major national user facilities (APS, CNM, ALCF) to address frontier questions in materials physics, chemistry, and functional device architectures.
• Champion interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships across Argonne directorates, academia, industry, other national laboratories, and DOE centers/hubs (e.g., QIS centers, microelectronics initiatives, and energy storage hubs) to accelerate scientific discovery and translational impact.
• Manage division operations , including research execution, talent acquisition and career development, financial stewardship, infrastructure and resource allocation, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and operational excellence that enables scientists, engineers, postdoctoral scholars, and mission support staff to thrive.
• Serve as a principal advocate and spokesperson for the division’s science to DOE sponsors, funding agencies, academic partners, and the international scientific community.
• Serve as the primary laboratory point of contact for the DOE Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences (BES) – Materials Sciences and Engineering (MSE) Division.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with multiple funding sources and stakeholders across government and industry.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and Laboratory policies while upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity, environmental protection, safety, and security.
• Contribute to Laboratory-wide leadership , participating in strategic committees and shaping cross-cutting initiatives in advanced materials, quantum information science, and artificial intelligence for science. Position Requirements Basic Qualifications
• Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, materials engineering, or a closely related discipline, supplemented by at least 15 years of experience that includes demonstrated accomplishments in scientific leadership and research management.
• Demonstrated track record in defining strategic scientific direction, building and sustaining high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams, and fostering collaborative research environments.
• Internationally recognized record of scientific accomplishments, publications, and success in securing and stewarding competitive external research funding.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with proven experience engaging executive leadership, government sponsors, and global scientific peers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an executive or senior leadership role within a national laboratory, major research institute, or academic research enterprise.
• Established relationships with the DOE Office of Science (particularly BES-MSE) and an in-depth understanding of federal research priorities in materials discovery, microelectronics, QIS, and clean energy technologies.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale multi-investigator research initiatives, center-level proposals, and impact-oriented strategic programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring early- and mid-career researchers and cultivating an inclusive, collaborative, and high-impact research culture. Applications should include: A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae including publications, patents, and major awards. A cover letter describing your interest in the role, key scientific leadership accomplishments, and how your background and qualifications align with the basic and preferred qualifications outlined above. Job Family Research Development (RD) Job Profile R&D Multi-Functional Leader 4 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $253,997.00 - $396,235.71. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. Click here to view Argonne employee benefits! As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.