Director of Department of Physics
Argonne National Laboratory
United States

High Energy Physics (HEP) Division
Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate
Argonne National Laboratory


Description

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for the position of Director of the High Energy Physics (HEP) Division, a core research division within the Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate.

The HEP Division advances discovery at the frontiers of particle physics, cosmology, and theory, with the mission of understanding the fundamental constituents of matter and energy and revealing the nature of space and time.

The Division plays leading roles in the conception, construction, and operation of some of the world’s most sophisticated scientific instruments, including particle accelerators, large-scale detectors, and precision cosmological survey facilities.

HEP research at Argonne integrates experimental, theoretical, and computational science.

Division researchers leverage advanced computing capabilities for extreme-scale simulation and data analysis and develop methods to manage and interpret the vast data streams produced by modern experiments.

Theoretical efforts complement these activities by driving conceptual advances and guiding experimental discovery.

Because High Energy Physics projects often involve large, complex collaborations spanning multiple institutions and nations, national laboratories play a uniquely critical role.

The Division Director will provide scientific leadership, strategic vision, and operational stewardship for an internationally recognized research portfolio, while strengthening partnerships across the national laboratory system, universities, and global collaborations.

This role includes developing and executing a compelling research vision aligned with Argonne’s mission and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) priorities, strengthening external partnerships, and ensuring excellence in safety, organizational performance, and alignment with Argonne’s Core Values.


Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

  • Provide visionary leadership to define and advance the Division’s scientific strategy and research priorities.
  • Lead the development of ambitious, cohesive research agendas that leverage HEP and Argonne strengths to address foundational questions in particle physics, cosmology, and theory.
  • Champion interdisciplinary research and partnerships across Argonne, academia, industry, government agencies, and international collaborations to enhance scientific impact.
  • Manage Division operations, including research execution, staffing and talent development, financial planning, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration and safety that enables scientists and staff to thrive.
  • Serve as a principal advocate and spokesperson for the Division’s science to DOE sponsors, funding agencies, stakeholders, and the broader scientific community.
  • Serve as the laboratory point of contact for DOE High Energy Physics.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with multiple funding sources and strategic partners.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and laboratory policies and uphold high standards of scientific integrity, environmental stewardship, safety, and security.
  • Serve on Argonne-wide and external committees to promote laboratory science programs and strategic perspectives.

Position Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering field.
  • At least 15 years of experience, including demonstrated accomplishments in scientific leadership.
  • Demonstrated success in setting scientific direction, building and sustaining high-performing teams, and fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative research programs.
  • Distinguished record of research accomplishments and the ability to secure competitive external funding.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging senior leadership, government sponsors, and scientific peers.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Experience in a leadership role within a national laboratory, research institute, or academic setting.
  • Established relationships with DOE Office of Science programs and knowledge of federal research priorities in high energy physics and related fields.
  • Track record of leading large-scale research initiatives, partnerships, and impact-oriented scientific agendas.
  • Commitment to mentoring scientists and promoting a collaborative and high-performing research environment.

Application Instructions

Applications should include:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Cover Letter describing:
    • Interest in the role.
    • Relevant leadership experience.
    • Key credentials and accomplishments.

Salary and Benefits

Worker Type: Regular

Time Type: Full-time

Job Family: Research Development (RD)

Job Profile: R&D Multi-Functional Leader 4

Expected Hiring Range: $253,997.00 – $396,235.71

Please note that the pay range is a general guideline only. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including:

  • Scope and responsibilities of the position.
  • Qualifications of the selected candidate.
  • Business considerations.
  • Internal equity.
  • External market pay for comparable positions.

Argonne National Laboratory offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.


Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with its core values of Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to providing a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation.

Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment.

Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.


Additional Information

  • Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined in U.S. Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Applicants will be asked to disclose any such participation during the application process for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
  • All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including an individualized assessment of criminal conviction history.
  • Some positions require the successful candidate to obtain and maintain a government access authorization. Failure to obtain or maintain such authorization may result in withdrawal of an employment offer or termination of employment.

About Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne National Laboratory is dedicated to translating science into innovation.

Scientists and engineers at Argonne conduct world-class research in clean energy, the environment, technology, national security, and many other fields, developing innovative solutions to prepare the world for a better future.

For application support or reasonable accommodation requests, applicants may contact:

Email: careers@anl.gov

Phone: 630-252-2336


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