Division Deputy for Operations

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has a unique opportunity for a senior operations leader to serve as the operational anchor for a Division at the center of the Laboratory’s most advanced scientific and engineering efforts, working side-by-side with engineers, scientists, and project leaders at a world leading research institution.

The Division Deputy for Operations reports to the Engineering Division Director and serves as a key partner on all operational and business matters for one of the Laboratory’s most complex and highly matrixed organizations.  Our matrixed environment enables us to cultivate multidisciplinary engineering expertise, facilitate the cross pollination of skills, provide training, centralize toolsets and data management, as well as agilely shift resources to support projects and divisions across the Laboratory. The Engineering Division partners with our science divisions on a broad scientific portfolio and projects, such as the Advanced Light Source and ALS Upgrade (ALS-U), Berkeley Lab Laser Accelerator (BELLA) Center, the U.S. Magnet Development Program, and major instrumentation efforts in nuclear and high energy physics like ATLAS, GRETA, DESI,  LZ and the DUNE Near Detector. With close to 500 engineers and technical staff, many matrixed across programs and projects, the Division also sustains the engineering infrastructure as well as engineering software and CAD tools for all of LBNL. Finally, engineering maintains a small R&D area funded through strategic funds and grants through collaborations with internal and external partners.

This role provides hands-on leadership across the Division’s business and operational functions, including finance, procurement, property, facilities, communications, and environment, health, and safety (EHS), with responsibility for supervising 4 direct and 11 indirect reports. Serving as the central point of coordination, the Deputy works across teams to ensure that operational needs are met, issues are resolved, and programs have the support required to move forward effectively. The position also advances the Division’s use of data and tools, including dashboards, reporting frameworks, and project management systems, to provide clear visibility into financial performance, workforce planning, and operational execution.

Working in close partnership with the Division Director and leadership team, the Deputy leads strategic operational and planning execution, helping translate Division priorities into actionable plans and ensuring follow-through. The role requires regular engagement with engineers, project teams, and internal stakeholders, as well as negotiation and management of support agreements with major programs. The Deputy also partners with Laboratory operations on facilities, infrastructure, and budget matters to ensure alignment and timely delivery.

This is a highly collaborative, execution-focused role requiring effective communication with stakeholders at all organizational levels. The Deputy for Operations is expected to be a visible and responsive partner across the Division, fostering a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement in support of world-class scientific and engineering research.

About Berkeley Lab:

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). The Laboratory conducts groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies. The lab’s expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Researchers from around the world rely on the lab’s world-class scientific facilities for their own pioneering research. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes. “Team Science” remains an integral part of Berkeley Lab’s DNA, where research is carried out across multiple scientific disciplines.

Berkeley Lab has a dynamic workforce of 4,000 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $1.3 billion. The University of California (UC) manages Berkeley Lab for DOE’s Office of Science. About 95% of the Laboratory’s funding comes from federal and state taxpayers, which highlights the importance of stewardship and trust with the public.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Operational Leadership

• Partner with the Engineering Division Director and senior leadership team to develop and implement operational strategies, plans, and priorities that align with Division and Laboratory goals. 
• Provide leadership and counsel on complex operational, administrative, and business matters affecting both near-term execution and long-range planning. 
• Support implementation of the Engineering Division’s strategic objectives across finance, administration, human resources, and operations.

Division Operations, Infrastructure, and EH&S

•  Lead division operations related to space, facilities, equipment, property, and infrastructure planning to support current and future programmatic needs. 
•  Oversee environment, health, and safety (EH&S) programs and provide leadership, direction, and support to safety coordinators.
•  Serve as the primary management-level contact for EH&S matters and help ensure safe, effective, and compliant division operations.

Financial Management and Decision Support

• Manage the Division’s budget and oversee financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and analysis in partnership with the assigned budget analyst. 
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of financial activities and develop dashboards and other management tools to monitor performance, support resource planning, and inform decision-making.

Human Resources and Administrative Leadership

• Oversee recruitment and the management, supervision, and development of divisional administrative and professional staff, including employees in a unionized environment. 
• Ensure consistent application of collective bargaining agreements and Laboratory and University policies in coordination with Employee and Labor Relations. 
• Directly supervise key administrative functions, including administration, safety, communications, and budgeting.

Business Services and Process Improvement

• Coordinate the delivery of core business services to the Division, including procurement, property, travel, IT, and related operational support functions. 
• Develop, streamline, and continuously improve business workflows and administrative processes to optimize resources, enhance service delivery, and support efficient, customer-focused operations.

Representation, Communications, and Cross-Functional Engagement

• Represent the Division in Laboratory-wide forums and cross-functional initiatives, and serve as a key point of contact on operational issues, business needs, and resource matters for internal and external stakeholders. 
• Lead or support division communications strategies and initiatives that strengthen coordination, visibility, and organizational effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field (business administration, public administration, management, engineering, etc.) and 10+ years of experience in operations management or a related leadership role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of operational and administrative functions, including finance, HR, procurement, facilities, IT, EHS, and compliance.
• Excellent computer literacy, including proficiency in internet browsers, email, Microsoft Office & Google Suite, advanced information management systems, and data visualization tools.
• Advanced skills in business software applications such as Excel, JIRA, databases, procurement, and large enterprise systems, business management tools, and HR software applications.
• Advanced financial and business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Exceptional planning and organizing skills and ability to develop solutions to complex problems; sound judgment and ability to take decisive action without all desired information.
• Excellent strategic planning and implementation skills; proven ability to work on multiple projects with varying priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and develop direct reports, serve as a work lead to matrix staff, and motivate a diverse team of administrative and technical professionals.
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation communication skills; ability to interact effectively at the management level within the organization and with other research institutions and external agencies; proven ability to effectively interact with personnel at all levels throughout the organization; effective consensus-building and negotiation skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding of federal research funding structures and regulatory frameworks, including DOE oversight and University of California governance models.
• Familiarity with the business environment of a DOE National Laboratory or universities or in a multidisciplinary team in a research, academic, medical,  government, or laboratory setting 
• Experience working within highly regulated environments, preferably with DOE or federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs).

Application Guidelines:

• Please submit your CV and letter of interest by April 21, 2026, for priority consideration. 
• In the cover letter, please highlight (i) your interest in the position, (ii) relevant organizational leadership experience, and (iii) most notable accomplishments. Please limit your letter to 2 to 3 pages.

Notes:

• Appointment Type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid). The Division Deputy for Operations position is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
• Salary Range: This position is expected to pay $225,00.00 to $280,000.00 annually; salary will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, as well as aligned with the internal leadership peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
• Background Check: This position is 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 Modality: This position requires daily on-site presence at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, with occasional business travel.  

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Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.