Group Leader- Quantum Heterostructure

Role details

Requisition Id 17437 Overview: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Group Leader for the Quantum Heterostructures (QHS) Group within the Foundational and Quantum Materials Science Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD). The QHS research group focuses on quantum phenomena arising from the interplay of topology and strong electronic correlations. The group synthesizes and investigates novel quantum materials and atomic-scale structures.

Achieving these objectives requires the integration of advanced characterization methods and device fabrication capabilities for high-quality epitaxial films, heterostructures, and bulk quantum-material platforms that serve as functional substrates, with potential applications in microelectronics and quantum information technologies. The Group Leader will provide scientific and R&D leadership for a multidisciplinary team, shape the group’s strategic vision, and ensure excellence in research execution, operational performance, and safety.

The successful candidate will represent the group within MSTD and external sponsors and collaborators; develop and secure research funding; publish and present impactful results; and cultivate a collaborative environment that supports the professional development of researchers. Relevant capabilities and expertise may include any of the following: molecular beam epitaxy, pulsed-laser deposition, spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, neutron scattering, X-ray scattering and spectroscopy, quantum sensing and control, and quantum-device physics.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: Define and implement a cohesive research strategy that advances the priorities of the QHS Group, MSTD, and ORNL. Recruit, hire, retain, and develop talented scientists and technical staff. Mentor staff members, postdoctoral researchers, and students; establish clear performance expectations and support career development. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, scientific excellence, and continuous learning. Identify and pursue funding opportunities; lead proposal development; and manage sponsored research projects.

Build strategic partnerships with industry, academia, national laboratories, and government agencies to expand the group’s impact and resources. Champion safety, security, and ethical research practices; ensure compliance with ORNL policies and Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) standards. Represent the QHS Group and MSTD at scientific conferences, sponsor meetings, and stakeholder briefings. Support ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with the laboratory’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D. in materials science, condensed matter physics, materials chemistry, quantum information science, or a related field. At least 6 years of relevant R&D experience. Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas relevant to the QHS Group, such as epitaxial thin-film synthesis, quantum materials, topological materials, strongly correlated systems, advanced scattering or spectroscopy, quantum sensing, or quantum-device physics. Demonstrated ability to obtain external research funding and lead R&D teams, programs, or major initiatives. Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to lead a multidisciplinary research group.

Preferred Qualifications

At least 10 years of experience in an R&D-focused organization. Nationally and internationally recognized contributions in a relevant research field. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated success developing productive collaborations across institutions, disciplines, and sectors. Self-motivated, independent, and able to contribute creatively within highly collaborative research teams. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment; prioritize multiple responsibilities; meet deadlines; and adapt to evolving programmatic needs. Special Requirements: Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position.

You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected]. Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile: Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov View Profile Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document This position may involve access to technology that is subject to export control and clearance requirements. Successful candidates should be qualified for such access without an export control license. Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position.

WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.

Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. About ORNL: As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment.

These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation. ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts. This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired. We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size.

Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment. ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.