Director - Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program - Active Clearance Required

We're looking for a Director for the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program. In this position, you will be responsible for managing the LDRD annual budget of over $180M and overseeing the LDRD proposal, review, and selection process for approximately 300 LDRD proposals each year. In this capacity, you will work closely with all Laboratory organizations to ensure a highly responsive and competitive R&D portfolio. This position reports to the Deputy Director for Science and Technology.

LLNL’s LDRD investment portfolio includes frontier-expanding projects in high-energy-density science; high-performance computing, simulation, and data science; advanced materials and manufacturing; bioscience and bioengineering; nuclear, chemical, and isotopic science; lasers and optical technologies; and earth and atmospheric science. LDRD is a vital component of the Laboratory’s ability to maintain its world-class scientific and technical expertise and to enable advancements to meet national security mission needs. LDRD is also one of the foremost means of attracting, training, and retaining talented new technical staff.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Manage the LDRD Program to ensure a robust, high-quality, and innovative research portfolio aligned with LLNL’s strategic vision and research priorities, leveraging excellent scientific judgment to guide Program decisions.
• Oversee the annual LDRD proposal, review, and selection process, ensuring each project aligns with LLNL missions and science and technology objectives, and fosters engagement, collaboration, and innovation across the Laboratory.
• Develop and establish policies and guidelines for the LDRD Program, ensuring effective implementation while supporting LLNL’s strategic investment needs and priorities.
• Track, report, and assess the outcomes and long-term impacts of LDRD-funded research projects, providing transparency and accountability to LLNL management and external stakeholders.
• Lead interactions with senior leadership, DOE Headquarters, the NNSA Livermore Field Office (LFO), congressional staff, and other national laboratories, preparing reports, briefings, and fostering alignment and collaboration across the DOE complex.
• Facilitate strategic partnerships and collaboration across Laboratory organizations and the DOE complex to ensure the excellence and impact of LDRD projects as well as their alignment with Laboratory priorities.
• Oversee the execution of the LDRD portfolio with the support of two rotating deputy positions, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise that support LDRD Program responsiveness, innovation, and excellence.
• Execute and enable a transparent and collaborative process and program that engages LLNL staff at all levels and promotes innovative work of the highest quality.
• Ensure budgets, schedules, and performance standards are realistically set and attained, meeting all Laboratory and DOE objectives and requirements while maintaining Program integrity and efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. Please note that any current active Q or Top Secret clearance with DOE or another agency does not guarantee DOE SCI access approval; if you are denied access, you may be subject to reinvestigation of your existing Q or Top Secret clearance.
• Ph.D. in science, mathematics, or engineering (or related field) or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience developing and managing major institution-level programs.
• Extensive experience directing technical staff leaders and technical managers necessary to champion, lead, and achieve program and project-planning objectives.
• Expertise in communication, negotiation, facilitation, collaboration. Problem-solving skills necessary to lead and influence executive Laboratory leadership and to interact effectively with middle and senior management in both internal and external organizations.
• Extensive experience developing and implementing strategic and operational policies and procedures while adhering to organizational policies, procedures, and requirements.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of relevant DOE Orders and LLNS requirements.
• Excellent understanding of Laboratory and DOE policies.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.  Also, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.  Please note that your current active Q or Top Secret clearance with DOE or another agency does not guarantee DOE SCI access approval; if you are denied access, you may be subject to reinvestigation of your existing Q or Top Secret Clearance. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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