Deputy Laboratory Director for Research

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory invites internal applications for the position of Deputy Laboratory Director for Research.

Reporting to the Laboratory Director, the Deputy Laboratory Director for Research (DLDR) is responsible for the development, implementation, and stewardship of Berkeley Lab's multiprogram scientific strategy, including recruitment and retention of research personnel at all levels, and acquisition and/or allocation of research space, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) funds, and assets, in a manner consistent with the Director's vision and the Laboratory's mission.

As primary steward of Berkeley Lab's overall research program under the Director, this position provides leadership to laboratory management and serves as management liaison with the University of California (UC), the Department of Energy (DOE), and other public and private agencies to represent the Laboratory's programs, accomplishments, and initiatives. Within the Laboratory and under the direction of the Director, the DLDR is responsible for developing an integrated strategy for management and oversight of the Intellectual Property Office, the Strategic Partnerships Office, and the functions of Research Integrity, Research Security, and Conflicts of Interest. The DLDR manages the LDRD program and provides coordination for DOE's Office of Science (SC) as well as other DOE funding sources and interdisciplinary programs.

To ensure a high level of scientific stewardship and achievement, the DLDR interacts with Associate Laboratory Directors (ALDs), Division Directors, and other scientific leadership, as well as with policy and advisory committees. The DLDR champions and ensures a strong culture of stewardship and safety of the Lab's people, research, and resources. With the Director, the DLDR also leads on recruiting and retaining a talented workforce with diverse perspectives and on developing strategic scientific assets (laboratory space and instrumentation). The DLDR is responsible for stewarding and growing SC and other-agency support, securing philanthropic funds, and enabling new ways for the Lab's researchers to engage with industry. The DLDR understands the importance of the Operations Area as integral to success of the overall mission, and works closely with the Deputy Laboratory Director for Operations as a unified leadership team under the Laboratory Director.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

• As part of the Lab's executive leadership team (along with the Lab Director, Deputy Lab Director for Operations, and ALDs), lead the development and implementation of Berkeley Lab's long-term research vision and strategic plan that includes enterprise-wide scientific priorities and initiatives.
• Engage in strategic planning to position Berkeley Lab for success 10 to 15 years into the future, including monitoring and analyzing factors and trends in the DOE and industry that may impact the organization, and identify and implement needed adaptations in operations strategy.
• In collaboration with ALDs, periodically review organizational structure and programs to ensure they support short and long-term strategic objectives.
• Identify critical research collaborations across Berkeley Lab's scientific disciplines, fellow national laboratories, academic institutions, and private sector entities.
• Assist in the management and implementation of Lab-wide initiatives.
• Serve as principal counsel to and partner with the Director in executing Berkeley Lab's vision and mission.
• Act as a senior spokesperson and maintain an active involvement with internal and external stakeholders, including high level contacts with Federal funding agencies, especially DOE, the senior administration of UC's Office of the President, and UC campuses.
• Assist in maintaining Berkeley Lab's strong relationships with the community and industry.
• Develop and support a robust LDRD program that aligns with strategic vision and plan.
• Partner with the Director on the management of internal Directorate discretionary funds, including LDRD, Strategic Planning Support Activities, Contractor Support Research and Royalties and Patents.
• Support outreach and education programs within Berkeley Lab and with other national laboratories and learning institutions to build a pipeline of next generation researchers.

Scientific and Technical:

• Partner with the Deputy Lab Director for Operations on matters that touch on operations and science.
• Working with the ALDs and Division Directors, act as chief strategist, champion, and steward for Berkeley Lab's scientific programs and research, and ensure alignment with the overall mission.
• As Chief Research Officer, act as the primary research point of contact to SC. Also responsible for the overall research component of the Biennial Lab Plan and for ensuring that SC science Performance Evaluation and Measurement Plan outcomes are met.
• Partner with the ALDs on their Area-based programmatic activities, and work with them on the strategic allocation of resources, including personnel, space, and laboratory assets.
• Lead and build consensus with other senior Berkeley Lab leaders to develop policies and guidelines that promote the stewardship and growth of LBNL's scientific enterprise.
• Advise ALDs and Scientific Division Directors and researchers in matters that require Lab Directorate attention.
• Support and provide leadership visibility for user facilities, including major upgrades, with DOE and other constituents.
• Serve as Institutional Official for matters related to Berkeley Lab's human and animal regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the Strategic Partnerships Office, Intellectual Property Office, and Career Pathways Offices.
• Oversee the Research Compliance Office. Serve as the Deciding Official for matters related to scientific misconduct. Manage Berkeley Lab's conflict of interest management cases.

Communication and Relationship Management:

• Effectively and regularly communicate relevant information to key stakeholders both internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Develop and maintain strong professional connections with senior DOE officials, including the leaders of the SC and their program offices, as well as other DOE program offices and relevant applied energy and technology offices.
• Lead communications strategies across the Lab on multi-disciplinary programs and initiatives.
• Hold regular meetings with direct reports, and ensure the effective collaborations and integration of Area and Directorate programs.
• Hold regular meetings with ALDs and, as necessary, Division Directors, to ensure an integrated approach to the SC, EERE, and other DOE portfolios, as well as other extra-agency, philanthropic, and industry funding.
• Represent the Laboratory and the Directorate on committees/boards that improve institutional management and development.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline and a minimum of 20 years of professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Distinguished record of scientific achievement and a track record of elevating an organization's national and international standing.
• Exemplary experience leading and managing large, complex mission-oriented R&D institutions in academia, government, or the non-profit sector.
• Visionary and collaborative leader with a proven record of managing change and fostering high-performing teams through partnership and influence rather than solely direct authority.
• Deep commitment to Berkeley Lab's scientific mission and stewardship responsibilities, ensuring the organization remains a valuable national asset through effective resource management.
• Skilled communicator capable of building trust and collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including key leaders, scientists, and operations staff.
• Knowledge of DOE National Laboratories complex, DOE programs, and the UC system.
• Results-driven executive with high integrity, strong understanding of complex budgets, and the ability to make data-driven decisions in dynamic or adverse environments.
• Demonstrated track record of advocacy for a broad, multidisciplinary workforce and a commitment to cultivating a culture of stewardship and safety of the Lab's people, research and resources.
• An innovator who can articulate a strategic scientific research vision for Berkeley Lab's future and whose credibility with constituents facilitates strategic planning and sound decision making.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance is highly desired.

Application Guidelines:

• Please submit your CV and letter of interest by September 14, 2026.
• In the cover letter, please highlight (i) your interest and vision for the position, (ii) relevant organizational leadership experience, and (iii) relevant research leadership accomplishments. Please limit your letter to 2 to 3 pages.
• The position will be exclusively available to current Berkeley Lab employees until the date listed above.

Additional information:

• Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid). The Deputy Laboratory Director for Research position is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
• Salary range: This position is expected to pay between $500,000 to $585,000 annually; salary will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, as well as aligned with the internal leadership peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Designated Official: This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• Export Control Access: This position will involve access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to export control regulations including, but not limited to, the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and/or International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, any hiring decision may depend in part on Berkeley Lab's ability to obtain or rely on federal government authorizations as required, if you are not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. ("green card holder"), asylee, refugee, or other qualifying protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
• Security Clearance: This position may require DOE Q-level access authorization (security clearance) that involves an extensive federal background investigation, application, and random drug testing, and strict adherence to federal laws pertaining to such an authorization. The clearance process may take a year or longer to complete. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE Q clearance will be processed/granted.
• Work modality: This position requires regular on-site presence at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, with business travel.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.