Section Head - Integrative Computational Biosciences

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a visionary scientific leader to serve as Section Head for Integrative Computational Biosciences within the Biosciences Division. This section will advance the integration of high‑performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and automation with experimental biosciences to enable predictive, scalable, and AI‑driven biological discovery. The Section Head will provide strategic and scientific leadership to multidisciplinary research groups operating at the intersection of computation and biology and will play a central role in advancing DOE mission priorities, including the Genesis initiative.

• Establish and lead ORNL's Integrative Computational Biosciences section, defining scientific vision and strategic priorities aligned with DOE BER, ASCR, and joint BER‑ASCR missions.
• Lead the development of AI‑enabled, data‑centric, and HPC‑integrated biological research programs that couple modeling, machine learning, and automated experimentation.
• Mentor and support Group Leaders to ensure excellence in research performance, staff development, inclusion, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.
• Coordinate and strengthen partnerships with DOE programs, other national laboratories, universities, and industry to advance AI‑enabled biosciences.
• Guide scientific strategy for integrating computational modeling, AI/ML, data infrastructure, and laboratory automation with biological research programs across BSD.
• Champion interdisciplinary collaborations with computing, engineering, and data science divisions to translate biological discovery into scalable and deployable capabilities.
• Represent ORNL scientific leadership to DOE sponsors and external stakeholders, shaping and communicating strategic directions in integrative computational biosciences.
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, data stewardship, and operational excellence across all section activities, consistent with ORNL's Safety First culture.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, computer science, bioengineering, or a closely related field with a minimum of 12 years relevant experience, or an M.S. with a minimum of 16 years experience, or a B.S. with 20 years of relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of research and leadership experience managing complex, multidisciplinary scientific programs.
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment in AI‑enabled biology, computational modeling, data‑driven science, or integration of computation with experimental biosciences.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary research teams and developing strategic relationships with sponsors and collaborators.
• Strong managerial and interpersonal skills, including effective communication, staff engagement, and the ability to foster collaboration across disciplines.

• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring, workforce development, and advancing scientific excellence in team‑based research environments.
• Experience with DOE programs.
• National or international recognition through publications, invited talks, leadership roles, or technology development.
• Experience with high‑performance computing, laboratory automation, or large‑scale scientific data infrastructure.

Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre‑hire physical will be required after offer.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background…