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.
  
  

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.