Cyclotron Operations Chief

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Nuclear Science Division's 88-inch Cyclotron, the Cyclotron Operations Chief will be classified as a Scientific Engineer, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the 88-Inch Cyclotron.

This role involves ensuring the operational integrity of the facility, supervising staff, maintaining safety and compliance, and managing resources and projects to support the success of the 88-Inch Cyclotron's mission.

What You Will Do:

Operational Management:

• Oversee the daily operation and integrity of the 88-Inch Cyclotron, ensuring all equipment and systems are functioning efficiently and reliably.
• Coordinate efforts between various teams, including mechanical and electrical engineering, facilities, and safety personnel, to ensure seamless operations.
• Implement best practices to continuously improve operational processes and efficiency.

Staff Supervision

• Lead and manage the cyclotron operators and the NSD Electrical Safety Officer (ESO), providing direction, support, and mentoring to ensure optimal performance.
• Develop and implement training programs to ensure staff possess the necessary skills and readiness for day-to-day operations and emergencies.
• Foster a positive and collaborative working environment that encourages professional growth and development.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies governing the facility.
• Lead safety initiatives, including the development and enforcement of job safety plans (JSP), regular inspections (Personnel Protection System inspections, safety reviews), and safety drills.
• Act as the point of contact for emergency response planning, ensuring protocols are clear, understood, and regularly practiced.

Resource Management

• Efficiently manage the allocation of personnel, equipment, and materials to achieve the operational objectives of the cyclotron.
• Collaborate with the Deputy Director to optimize resource allocation, ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining high safety and operational standards.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate with operational groups and external teams on major projects, such as system upgrades, maintenance activities, and new installations.
• Work closely with project managers and technical leads to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks to project timelines and outcomes.

Reporting and Communication

• Provide regular, clear updates to 88 and NSD management regarding operational performance, safety issues, and any challenges that arise.
• Serve as a liaison between group leads and 88 management, ensuring effective communication and alignment on operational priorities and project goals.
• Prepare detailed reports for DOE leadership (at operations reviews), highlighting successes, areas for improvement, and any critical action items.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

• Respond swiftly to operational challenges, whether technical, personnel-related, or logistical, using strong problem-solving skills to find effective solutions.
• Make data-driven decisions that improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance long-term facility productivity.
• Anticipate potential issues and implement preventive measures to avoid disruptions.
• Independently solve complex problems using ingenuity, creativity, advanced scientific principles, and the latest software tools.
• Investigate, create, and develop new methods and techniques for project advancement.

What is Required:

• Master's degree (with 8 years or equivalent experience) in a scientific discipline relevant to managing an accelerator facility.
• Experience in interpreting objectives of job requirements into technical applications or operational concepts related to cyclotron operation and technology.
• Full knowledge of cyclotron operation and technology.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical and practical direction and lead effective collaborations among diverse disciplines of Operations Group personnel, maintenance personnel, and facilities personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to solve issues and recommend changes to meet critical deadlines and schedules.
• Managerial/supervisory experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff within the Division, Laboratory and at other laboratories, including Physicists and Engineers.

What is Required: (Just a suggestion)

• Master's degree in a scientific discipline relevant to managing an accelerator facility, or equivalent experience (8 years).
• Expertise in cyclotron operation and technology, with the ability to translate job requirements into practical technical applications and operational concepts.
• Proven track record of providing technical direction and leading cross-disciplinary collaborations among operations, maintenance, and facilities teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to make decisions and recommend changes to meet critical deadlines and schedules.
• Managerial and supervisory experience with a focus on team leadership and performance.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff across multiple levels, including physicists, engineers, and personnel from other laboratories.

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is expected to pay $137,544.00-$178,000.00, which fits within the full salary range of $137,544.00-$232,092.00 for the T10.4. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.