Section Head - Integrative Computational Biosciences

Requisition Id15959

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a visionary scientific leader to serve as Section Head for Integrative Computational Biosciences within the Biosciences Division. This section will advance the integration of highperformance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and automation with experimental biosciences to enable predictive, scalable, and AIdriven biological discovery. The Section Head will provide strategic and scientific leadership to multidisciplinary research groups operating at the intersection of computation and biology and will play a central role in advancing DOE mission priorities, including the Genesis initiative.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Establish and lead ORNL's Integrative Computational Biosciences section, defining scientific vision and strategic priorities aligned with DOE BER, ASCR, and joint BER-ASCR missions.
• Lead the development of AI enabled, data centric, and HPC integrated biological research programs that couple modeling, machine learning, and automated experimentation.
• Mentor and support Group Leaders to ensure excellence in research performance, staff development, inclusion, and cross disciplinary collaboration.
• Coordinate and strengthen partnerships with DOE programs, other national laboratories, universities, and industry to advance AI enabled biosciences.
• Guide scientific strategy for integrating computational modeling, AI/ML, data infrastructure, and laboratory automation with biological research programs across BSD.
• Champion interdisciplinary collaborations with computing, engineering, and data science divisions to translate biological discovery into scalable and deployable capabilities.
• Represent ORNL scientific leadership to DOE sponsors and external stakeholders, shaping and communicating strategic directions in integrative computational biosciences.
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, data stewardship, and operational excellence across all section activities, consistent with ORNL's Safety First culture.
• 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 computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, computer science, bioengineering, or a closely related field with a minimum of 12 years relevant experience or a M.S. with a minimum of 16 years' experience or a B.S. with 20 years of relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of research and leadership experience managing complex, multidisciplinary scientific programs.
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment in AIenabled biology, computational modeling, datadriven science, or integration of computation with experimental biosciences.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary research teams and developing strategic relationships with sponsors and collaborators.
• Strong managerial and interpersonal skills, including effective communication, staff engagement, and the ability to foster collaboration across disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring, workforce development, and advancing scientific excellence in team based research environments.
• Experience with DOE programs.
• National or international recognition through publications, invited talks, leadership roles, or technology development.
• Experience with high performance computing, laboratory automation, or large scale scientific data infrastructure.

Special Requirements:

Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

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.

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) 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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.