Job Description

Overview:

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.



Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.



The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.





The AI and Data Analytics Division, part of the National Security Directorate, combines profound domain expertise and creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering to operations, providing the tools to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths are integrated across the data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to analysis and decision support.


Rockstar Rewards:

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

Research Associates excluded.

All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.



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Responsibilities:

PNNL is seeking a Chief Data Scientist with deep expertise in data science and mission-specific knowledge in the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) domain. The selected candidate will lead large, multi-year research and development programs within the AI and Data Analytics Division, which includes over 400 staff specializing in data science, applied mathematics, advanced analytic architectures, software engineering, and human-centered computing.

As a nationally recognized leader in data science, the Chief Data Scientist will set strategic vision, direct complex research programs, and operationalize data-driven solutions to address critical national security challenges. This individual will guide technical direction, mentor interdisciplinary teams, and collaborate closely with software engineers to transition cutting-edge research into field-ready capabilities.

In addition to leading research efforts, the Chief Data Scientist will serve as a key interface with sponsors and stakeholders, leveraging domain expertise to align PNNL's research agenda with evolving mission requirements. The chosen candidate will have the unique opportunity to drive real-world impact at mission tempo while supporting PNNL's mission to tackle grand challenges through science, technology, and innovation.

Successful candidates will work with talented multi-disciplinary teams on a variety of the nation's most complex science and engineering problems, delivering advanced AI solutions into critical sponsor missions. At PNNL, we foster a collaborative, adventurous environment focused on lifelong learning and creative problem-solving, while striving for leadership in interdisciplinary, data-driven innovation.

Key Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership: Define and execute a strategic vision for large, multi-year GEOINT data science programs, advancing geospatial analytics and operational AI capabilities. Team Leadership: Lead and mentor diverse teams of data scientists and software engineers by guiding analytic methodologies, research approaches, and project implementation. Operational Integration: Collaborate with software engineering teams to integrate analytic capabilities into scalable, field-ready systems. Program Oversight: Serve as principal investigator on highly visible programs, ensuring technical excellence, meeting research milestones, and fostering sponsor relationships. Development of New Opportunities: Identify and lead proposal efforts to shape future investments in GEOINT analytics and AI research. Technical Representation: Represent PNNL leadership in GEOINT research via publishing, presenting in high-impact venues, and participating in national technical exchanges. Collaboration: Establish and foster partnerships across PNNL, other DOE national laboratories, academia, and industry to accelerate innovation and deliver mission-aligned solutions. Sponsor Engagement: Engage directly with government sponsors, ensuring research outcomes meet operational objectives and requirements. Mentorship: Mentor and develop future technical leaders, helping to build a world-class GEOINT data science workforce.

Mission-Specific Responsibilities:Sponsor Engagement: Serve as the primary interface with sponsors and develop a deep understanding of their mission priorities. Operational Awareness: Gain insight into sponsors' operational environments and technical requirements to enable effective deployment of new capabilities. Strategy Development: Support the ideation and execution of strategic initiatives by identifying key stakeholders and outlining actionable plans. Role of PNNL: Effectively communicate and leverage PNNL's role in the larger mission landscape, addressing technical solutions, relevant use cases, and critical challenges.

This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR- MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR- PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:Advanced degree in computing, engineering, geospatial sciences, or related discipline. Nationally recognized expertise in GEOINT, geospatial analytics, or operational AI. Proficiency in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, or generative AI. Proven experience developing and deploying machine learning and AI technologies in operational environments. Expertise in multi-modal data fusion is highly desired. Strong record of securing external funding, managing research portfolios, and initiating new R&D programs. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with software engineering teams to deliver operational solutions. Experience working effectively with funding sponsors such as DOE, NNSA, DoD, or DHS, with the ability to influence strategic investments. Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to represent PNNL at national and international levels in government, industry, and academia. Active security clearance (or the ability to obtain and maintain one).

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment:

Not applicable.


Additional Information:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.



A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.



Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B. Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.eferral Eligible"


Testing Designated Position (TDP):

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.


About PNNL:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State--the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity:

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace:

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement:

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.