Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a group leader for the Multimodal Signal Analytics (MSA) group within the Electrification and Energy Infrastructure Division (EEID). The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following: AI/ML methods/application, image/signal processing, and sensor systems.
The MSA group conducts transformational research and development for sensing challenges using a holistic design approach considering the sensing system and algorithms together. MSA consists of highly talented experts in Image/Signal processing, Computational Sensing, AI/ML, Advanced Tomographic Reconstruction, and Sensing System Development. Major application spaces currently being addressed by MSA include advanced manufacturing, biometrics (identity), biomedical research sensing, national security, and transportation.
The MSA Group Leader will be responsible for leading research in AI/ML for sensor analytics systems, work with the section head to develop strategies for maintaining and growing technical application spaces, and leading the group of 8-12 researchers within MSA. Special emphasis and focus is towards the research, development, and demonstration of advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques applied in the energy infrastructure domain. This focus includes real-time sensing and analytics for operational awareness of the health of the electric grid infrastructure, and the integration of technologies, such as vehicles and buildings, to and within the infrastructure to ensure the resilience, security, and effectiveness of this domain.
This position is in the Energy Sensor Analytics and Communications Section (ESAC). This section develops sensor solutions that closely incorporate data science, signal, and image processing algorithms with sensor system design to address challenges across a diverse range of applications (manufacturing, transportation, national security, and more).
Purpose:
AI/ML solutions developed in conjunction with novel sensing systems are significantly impacting key energy applications spaces in manufacturing, transportation, grid, and security. This position brings together expertise in the MSA group to solve national challenges in these spaces. The group leader will drive development in these areas through developing ideas and proposals, forming teams across ORNL, developing group members to enable their career advancement, establish capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology, performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology, implement and model standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules, and ensures a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Research:
- The successful candidate scientist/engineer/analyst is a recognized leader in their area of technical expertise. Initiates, leads and performs independent R&D on an ongoing basis.
- Develop and grow program for applied machine learning/artificial intelligence for the electrical grid infrastructure
- Leadership:
- Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects to position the group for future success.
- Develop and implement plans to exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts.
- Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals. Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner.
- Provide relevant input to assist the ESAC Section Head with staff development while providing direct and impactful guidance to staff on regular basis.
- Attract a quality, diverse pool of top candidates and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field.
- Lead by example by exercising the principles in ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
- Coach and mentor staff regarding Battelle’s “Safe Conduct of Research” principles
- Lead ESH&Q by example and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
- Exemplify a commitment to "One ORNL" by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.
- Service:
- Serve as immediate supervisor for staff members in group.
- Encourage staff to “think and dream big,” take appropriate risks in their work, and develop skills that will enable them to pursue new ideas, scientific passions, and research programs.
- Advance the reputation of the group members and standing of the group as a whole through establishing collaborations, Professional Society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events.
- Support group members by consistently reviewing technical products such as proposals, publications, and artifacts to ensure high quality and consistency with ORNL standards.
- Build strong teams across ORNL.
- Connect staff to your scientific network and professional societies.
- Hold regular scientific/technical group meetings and be visible in the labs and workplace.
- Assume front-line responsibility for safety in the group’s laboratory; mentor and empower the Laboratory Space Managers to create a strong safety culture.
- Effectively communicate the importance of protecting proprietary or sensitive information and complying with ORNL cybersecurity policies and guidelines.
Basic Qualifications:
- Requires a Ph.D. in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, or closely related field with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience, a M.S. with a minimum of 12 years relevant experiences or a B.S. with 15 years relevant experience.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Qualified candidates must have demonstrated experience and success in leading R&D teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
Accountabilities:
- To group staff, for the quality and safety of their work environment and opportunity for professional growth.
- To ESAC Section Head, for world-leading science and technology directions, safe effective, and compliant operations, ownership of assigned staff, facilities, and equipment, and the quality of products and services.
- To customer, for the quality of products and service.
Authorities:
- Develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading science and technology directions for the MSA R&D group.
- Hold staff accountable for performance.
- Act to ensure safe and effective operations.
- Hire staff.
- Certify the technical quality of the group’s products and services.
