Laboratory Director Search

Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA) Board of Directors is seeking an accomplished and transformational leader to serve as the next Laboratory Director of Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) and President and CEO of Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA).  Reporting directly to the Board Chair, the chosen leader will be at the forefront of creating, inspiring, communicating, and delivering the organization’s vision.


A picture of a long building with many windows, grass, shrubbery, and a flagpole flying the American flag and the Department of Energy flag.

Position Summary

Job Summary

The Laboratory Director of SRNL and President and CEO of BSRA will provide strategic leadership and vision, to position the Laboratory for an enduring mission as EM completes its legacy cleanup mission while continuing to  ensure technical leadership in support of EM and the National Nuclear Security Administration missions. The Director will oversee all aspects of laboratory management, including contract performance, and will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the laboratory’s excellence in science and technology (S&T). The role demands a blend of thought leadership in S&T, skilled relationship management, effective communication, and comprehensive application of Battelle’s laboratory management philosophy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain and enhance the laboratory’s scientific and technical capabilities to ensure it remains at the forefront of research and development.
  • Direct the Network of National Laboratories for Environmental Management and Stewardship to support both EM and Office of Legacy Management’s missions.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with DOE, members of Congress, federal agency heads, state, tribal, and industry leaders, effectively communicating the laboratory’s contributions to national priorities.
  • Drive strategic partnerships and collaboration with academia, industry, and other national laboratories to further SRNL’s mission and impact.
  • Ensure exceptional management of SRNL, including safety, security, science, technology, operations, finance, human resources, and stakeholder relations.
  • Deliver on contract performance objectives, ensuring that SRNL meets all deliverables with the highest standards of quality and integrity.
  • Foster a culture of excellence and innovation within the laboratory, upholding Battelle’s leadership attributes and laboratory management philosophy, including a demonstrated commitment to diversity.
  • Ensure responsive and transparent engagement with the local community and public stakeholders, bolstering the laboratory’s role as a community partner.

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree, PhD in science or engineering is preferred.
  • Accomplished senior or executive leadership in a complex multidisciplinary organization, balancing mission, operational requirements, and risk to deliver mission outcomes.
  • Record of successful interactions with DOE on environmental management and national security missions, organizations, and programs.
  • Record of developing industry relationships for advanced technology development and deployment.
  • Outstanding, authentic presentation and communication skills, and the ability to be an outgoing and passionate spokesperson and relationship-builder. Must be adept at communicating complex technical issues to a variety of audiences.
  • Commitment to safety, security, and environmental compliance responsibility in laboratory operations.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance (Q and SCI).

Contact

Interested parties should contact Gary Worrell, SRNL Recruiting Manager

gary.worrell@srnl.doe.gov

839.746.1291

Drawing on experience and diverse perspectives, the Search Committee supporting the BSRA Board of Directors is comprised of current and former DOE National Laboratory Directors and other senior members of Battelle, SRNL, and our university partners – Clemson University, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina State University, and University of South Carolina.

Juan Alvarez

Executive Vice President, Battelle and Incoming Chair for Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC

Jenny Anaya

Manager, Human Capital for Battelle and HR and Compensation Committee member for BSRA

Dr. Tanju Karanfil

Senior Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors at Clemson University & BSRA Board member

Dr. Michael Matthews

Associate Vice President for Research at University of South Carolina & BSRA Board member

Jeff Smith

Former Laboratory Director for Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Dr. John Wagner

Laboratory Director for Idaho National Laboratory

V. Suzy Fowler

SRNL Director of Environmental Safety, Health and Quality Assurance

Thad Adams

Deputy Associate Laboratory Director, Global Security


Get To Know Us

pipet over test tubes

Research Areas

SRNL conducts research critical to the safety and security of our nation and the world. 

microscope in a brightly lit lab

Capabilities

SRNL is known for its world-class scientific and technical expertise in nuclear, chemical and materials manufacturing; and ability to translate innovations into industrial-scale operations.

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Science & Technology

SRNL scientists and engineers create technologies to improve environmental quality, support international nonproliferation, dispose of legacy waste and provide clean energy sources.