ISR-Deputy Group Leader; R&D Manager

What You Will Do

The Space Science and Applications Group (ISR-1) in the Intelligence & Space Research Division (ISR) is seeking a Deputy Group Leader (DGL) to serve as an integral member of the Group and Division leadership teams while remaining an active technical contributor.

ISR-1 conducts cutting‑edge R&D in space-based national security and space environment science, with expertise spanning source phenomenology, propagation, heliospheric and magnetospheric physics, and advanced sensor and algorithm development in particle and plasma detection. The group consists of approximately 30 staff scientists and postdoctoral researchers, along with a cohort of students and affiliates collaborating across multiple LANL organizations.

Following the recent organizational realignment that established ISR-1 as a focused, independent group, the Deputy Group Leader will play a key role in strengthening group identity, ensuring operational coherence, and aligning technical capabilities with evolving national security priorities.

This position combines institutional leadership with embedded technical engagement (approximately 50% leadership / 50% technical).

• Participate fully in Group and Division leadership forums, shaping decisions that define ISR-1's technical direction and institutional posture.
• Bring clear understanding of ISR-1 capabilities, constraints, and emerging needs into leadership discussions to improve decision quality and alignment.
• Partner with the Group Leader to refine and institutionalize a strategic vision responsive to national security priorities.

• Clearly communicate the rationale, tradeoffs, and institutional context behind leadership decisions.
• Anticipate technical and organizational impacts and support disciplined, trust‑preserving implementation.
• Reinforce decision practices that balance rigor, timeliness, and transparency.

• Strengthen coordination across ISR-1's technical portfolio to maintain alignment between strategy and execution.
• Partner with Project Leaders on resource alignment, schedules, and delivery of high‑quality products within mission and funding constraints.
• Contribute to administrative stewardship, including safety and security, integrated work management, performance management, financial oversight, and workforce planning.

• Maintain an active technical portfolio aligned with ISR-1 mission areas.
• Demonstrate scientific leadership through research execution, proposal development, and cross‑organizational collaboration.
• Sustain credibility and situational awareness through direct engagement in the group's technical work.

• Model sound judgment, emotional intelligence, discretion, and professional integrity.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships across technical staff and leadership.
• Balance strategic, group‑level priorities with staff‑level operational realities.

Demonstrated commitment to maintaining and strengthening a safe, secure, and respectful work environment consistent with Laboratory expectations (e.g., HPI and/or SCoR principles).

Recognized scientific and technical competence in one or more ISR-1 mission areas, including space science, heliospheric or magnetospheric physics, and/or particle and plasma detection. Demonstrated record of successful research contributions and proposal development.

Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to technical teams, projects, or organizational efforts. Ability to influence across organizational boundaries, navigate competing priorities, and build trust.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex technical and institutional considerations to diverse audiences.

Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Advanced degree in a relevant…