Summary
Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a distinguished scientific leader for the position of Director – Materials, Physical & Chemical Sciences (Center 1800) in Albuquerque, NM. Reporting directly to the Associate Lab Director for Advanced Science & Technology, the Director leads foundational and applied research across materials science, chemical sciences, and physics. The Center comprises over 500 staff members, postdocs, and students with an annual R&D budget of $200M, playing a pivotal role in advancing national security, nuclear deterrence, and cutting-edge technology innovations for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
Director of Materials, Physical & Chemical Sciences at Sandia National Laboratories, US
Designation
- Designation: Director (Center 1800 – Materials, Physical & Chemical Sciences)
Overview Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Job Title | Director – Materials, Physical & Chemical Sciences (Center 1800) |
| Job ID | 698579 |
| Designation | Director |
| Organization | Sandia National Laboratories (Advanced Science & Technology Division) |
| Location | Albuquerque, NM |
| Employment Type | Full-Time / Regular |
| Salary Range | $235,800 – $400,900 per year |
| Security Clearance | DOE Q-Level Security Clearance Required (U.S. Citizenship Required) |
Research Area
- Materials Science & Engineering: Advanced materials discovery/design, synthesis, processing, characterization, diagnostics, materials reliability, aging, and failure mechanisms.
- Physical & Chemical Sciences: Foundational theory, chemical science, high-fidelity modeling, and simulation.
- Quantum & Electronics: Quantum microelectronics (Quantum Futures Center), optical materials, and power electronics.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Welding and joining, tribology, thermal spray, and prototyping (Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation – CAMINO).
- Nanoscience: Joint leadership with Los Alamos National Laboratory for the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT).
- Emerging Technologies: Development and integration of AI-enabled autonomous experimental facilities and predictive models.
Location
- Workplace Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM)
Eligibility / Qualification
Required Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related scientific/engineering discipline (or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience).
- R&D Experience: Minimum of 15 years of post-degree complex R&D experience relevant to materials, physical, and chemical sciences, including experience managing laboratory or experimental work.
- Leadership Experience: Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated success leading complex scientific, engineering, or technology development organizations.
- Technical Achievements: Documented record of recognized technical accomplishments demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, patents, invited presentations, and major technical contributions.
- Program Execution: Proven track record of developing, leading, and executing large research programs with multiple stakeholders and sponsors.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).
Desired Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience collaborating with DOE national laboratories, key sponsors (NNSA/DOE/DHS), and government agencies.
- Established professional networks within the Nuclear Security Enterprise and the DOE Office of Science (particularly Basic Energy Sciences – BES).
- Experience with AI-enabled autonomous, self-driving experimental facilities for high-throughput scientific discovery.
- Demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor, and retain world-class scientific, engineering, and operations staff.
- Strong business acumen and a track record of building strategic partnerships across industry, academia, and national labs.
Job Description
The Center Director assumes overall line, programmatic, and strategic leadership for Center 1800:
- Operational & Line Management: Oversee direct reports, department managers, and group leaders across a workforce of 500+ staff, postdocs, and students. Manage an R&D budget of $200M and steward ~$15M annually in Laboratory-Directed Research and Development (LDRD) investments.
- Mission Execution: Ensure high-quality, technically excellent, and cost-effective research delivery supporting Sandia’s Nuclear Deterrence (ND) program and broader national security missions.
- Safety & Compliance: Oversee safe operations in full compliance with ES&H (Environment, Safety, and Health) requirements, maintaining strict safety and security standards.
- Strategic Vision: Shape the strategy for emerging technical capabilities, including quantum microelectronics, power electronics, advanced manufacturing, and AI-driven materials research.
- Stakeholder Relations: Maintain transparent, effective relationships with program customers, DOE/NNSA leadership, academic institutions, and national enterprise partners.
How to Apply
- Go to the official Sandia National Laboratories Careers Page.
- Click the Apply for Job button located at the top right of the posting.
- Register or sign in to your applicant account, complete the required application fields, and submit your CV/resume alongside supporting professional credentials.
Last Date for Apply
Open Now
Note: Sandia National Laboratories reserves the right to extend or close the posting at any time.
