Department Manager - Tritium and Fusion Materials

Shape the Future of Fusion Energy and Tritium Science

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a Department Manager to lead its Tritium and Fusion Materials Department within the Nuclear Science and Technology Directorate. This leadership role offers the opportunity to guide a nationally recognized team advancing tritium science, fusion materials research, and technologies critical to the future of clean energy and national security.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and technical professionals conducting research for the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, industry partners, universities, and international collaborators. The Department Manager will oversee research strategy, talent development, facility operations, sponsor engagement, and program growth while strengthening INL's leadership in fusion energy and tritium technologies.

A background in fusion is preferred, but not required. We are seeking a proven research leader with expertise in materials science, nuclear technologies, or related disciplines who is excited to help shape the future of tritium and fusion research.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

Strategic and Technical Leadership

• Lead the department's research portfolio in tritium science, tritium management technologies, and materials for fusion energy applications.
• Develop and execute strategic plans that align departmental capabilities with emerging national priorities and sponsor needs.
• Build and sustain partnerships with DOE offices, national laboratories, universities, industry, and international organizations to expand research opportunities and technical impact.
• Identify and pursue new technical directions and funding opportunities that strengthen INL's leadership in fusion and tritium-related research.

Research Operations and Facility Stewardship

• Provide oversight of research activities conducted within the Safety and Tritium Applied Research (STAR) facility.
• Serve as the primary departmental interface for STAR facility operations and coordinate activities with research and operational organizations across INL, including the Idaho Research Center (IRC), Energy Innovation Laboratory (EIL), and ATR Complex.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant execution of research programs and experimental activities.
  People Leadership
• Recruit, retain, mentor, and develop a high-performing workforce of scientists, engineers, postdoctoral researchers, students, and technical staff.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Support staff professional growth through technical mentoring, publication review, leadership development, and national engagement opportunities.
• Conduct performance evaluations, salary reviews, promotion recommendations, succession planning, and workforce development activities.

Program and Resource Management

• Manage departmental resources, workforce planning, and budget execution to support successful program delivery.
• Coordinate activities across directorates, programs, and user facilities to improve integration, efficiency, and mission impact.
• Evaluate organizational processes and implement improvements that enhance research execution and operational effectiveness.
  
  

Required:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• At least five years of hands-on research and development experience in a laboratory environment, preferably involving nuclear materials or related technologies.
• At least two years of leadership experience demonstrating success in:
  • Recruiting, mentoring, and developing technical staff.
  • Leading complex research projects or programs.
  • Strategic planning and organizational management.
  • Proposal development, sponsor engagement, and program growth.
  • Demonstrated interest in tritium science, fusion energy, or related advanced energy technologies.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
    

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with tritium systems, hydrogen isotope technologies, or fusion energy research.
• Experience leading materials research and development programs.
• Demonstrated success developing externally funded research portfolios and strategic partnerships.
• Experience working with DOE laboratories, federally funded research organizations, or large-scale scientific facilities.
• Record of scientific and technical achievement through publications, presentations, patents, or other professional recognition.
  
  

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Department Manager - Tritium and Fusion Materials to work in our NS&T directorate, in support of our Nuclear Fuels and Materials group. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of REC with every other Friday off.

• The target pay range for this position is $158, 712 - $237,174 annually. The full pay range is $107,844 - $274,980. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
  

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.