Director, Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-11801 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $212,100-$318,300/yr
Duties
Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads critical research in four areas: Atmospheric, Climate & Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Molecular Sciences, and Global Change. Our vision is to develop a predictive understanding of biological and Earth systems in transition. We aim to understand energy and material flows within the integrated Earth system; to understand, predict, and control the response of biosystems to environmental and/or genomic changes; and to Model the Earth system from the subsurface to the atmosphere. Responsibilities The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility ( www.arm.gov ), is one of the world’s premier atmospheric research facilities providing more than 30 years of continuous, globally extensive atmospheric measurements to benefit the global scientific community. ARM operates a global constellation of fixed atmospheric observatories (in the U.S. Southern Great Plains, the North Slope of Alaska, and the Eastern North Atlantic), mobile measurement facilities, and advanced aerial platforms that deliver unrivaled observational data to the international research community. Through its high-performance computing, data analytics, and modeling capabilities, ARM transforms raw observations into community-accessible data products and large-eddy simulations, enabling scientists around the world to better understand atmospheric processes, improve Earth system models, and estimate impacts to energy systems and resilience. The Director, ARM User Facility reports to the Associate Laboratory Director for organization and provides scientific leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) enterprise, which spans a consortium of nine DOE National Laboratories. In this position, they will set scientific priorities, lead complex operations across ARM’s multiple observatories and platforms (ground-, mobile-, and aerial-based (including UAS and a modified Challenger 850); stewarding data quality and critical infrastructure; and collaborating closely with DOE, other DOE user facilities, national laboratories, academic institutions, and the broader scientific community. The Director, ARM leadership will accelerate how researchers understand the earth’s atmosphere and how that understanding strengthens energy resilience, climate modeling, and scientific innovation. The Director, ARM requires strong scientific credibility, a forward-looking scientific vision, demonstrated organizational leadership and management acumen to advance ARM’s mission, ensure sustainable operations, and deliver high-impact science and capabilities. Job Duties Strategic Science Vision and Direction: Lead ARM’s scientific mission and long-term vision, aligning priorities with DOE Office of Science goals and emerging atmospheric research needs. The Director, ARM will be responsible for driving the development and execution of ARM’s 10-year strategic plan in working in close collaboration with the Atmospheric research community, ARM staff, and the Department of Energy Office of Science program sponsors. Operational Stewardship: Lead the operations of ARM’s fixed observatories, global mobile facilities, aerial platforms, instrumentation, data services, modeling, and computing infrastructure, ensuring coordination and alignment across the nine‑laboratory consortium. This includes: Overseeing global field operations—including planning, reviewing, and executing field campaigns and deployments of ARM’s mobile facilities. Integrating and sustaining ARM’s expanding aerial measurement capabilities, including the highly instrumented unmanned aerial system (UAS) and the uniquely modified crewed research aircraft - a Challenger 850. Working with the Associate Director for Research, the ARM Director provides oversight of R&D and new capability development including the procurement and modification of instrumentation as well as software development in support of operations and data products. Foster strong collaboration and a sense of community among ~300 staff across nine DOE national laboratories and other institutions. Data Management: Ensure ARM produces high-quality, reliable, and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data products for the global research community. Resource Allocation: Optimize and direct resource planning and allocation, budgeting, procurements, and property and instrument management. This includes annual operational execution of atmospheric user research, facility management and operations including data archive and products maintenance, as well as forward-looking premier research capability building and sustainment through internal S&T R&D. Stakeholder and Community Engagement: Engage with the user community by coordinating advisory groups, organizing workshops, reviewing proposals for field campaigns, managing user calls, and maintaining a science-forward, welcoming culture that supports innovation and access. The Director, ARM will also represent ARM to DOE leadership, funding sponsors, the ARM User Executive Committee and external stakeholders and communicate scientific achievements, facility status, and future directions. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: A strong record of scientific leadership and excellence in atmospheric science, environmental science, earth system science, or related fields. Knowledge of atmospheric observations, instrumentation, remote sensing, data management, or computational modeling. Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly. Proven ability to develop and articulate strategic vision, motivate and empower staff, and lead teams in a highly matrixed organization. Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across institutions, disciplines, and levels of management. Organizational agility and demonstrated capacity to lead complex operations and long‑term planning. Ability to represent the Laboratory constructively with senior leadership, stakeholders, sponsors, and funding agencies, including DOE and international partners. Ability to travel to ARM field sites, including areas in remote locations with potentially extreme physical conditions. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 12 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 10 years of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in atmospheric science or related discipline. 10+ years of technical program management experience. Experience managing large, distributed, multi-institutional research or technical programs. Experience in direct and matrix line management of technical, scientific, and operational personnel. Experience managing large scale projects on the order of $80-$100M annually. Experience working with DOE, specifically BER, research priorities and sponsor relationships. Experience with ES&H compliance and oversight of laboratory operations. Experience in operations, deployment, and sustainment of ground-based meteorological instrumentation and advanced aerial atmospheric measurement platforms, for example unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and crewed aircraft within DOE aviation requirements. Project management experience including development of budgets and schedules. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not Applicable Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: 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) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 12 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 10 years of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in atmospheric science or related discipline. 10+ years of technical program management experience. Experience managing large, distributed, multi-institutional research or technical programs. Experience in direct and matrix line management of technical, scientific, and operational personnel. Experience managing large scale projects on the order of $80-$100M annually. Experience working with DOE, specifically BER, research priorities and sponsor relationships. Experience with ES&H compliance and oversight of laboratory operations. Experience in operations, deployment, and sustainment of ground-based meteorological instrumentation and advanced aerial atmospheric measurement platforms, for example unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and crewed aircraft within DOE aviation requirements. Project management experience including development of budgets and schedules.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $212,100.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $318,300.00/Yr.