Director, Building Technology and Urban Systems Division

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is seeking an experienced scientific leader to serve as Director of the Building Technology and Urban Systems Division. Reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director for Energy Technologies, the Building Technology and Urban Systems (BTUS) Division Director is responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership for the research and operations activities of the Division, overseeing an annual budget in excess of $90 million and 130 staff. The Director has full responsibility for all areas of management within the Division, including scientific research, operations, finance, human resources, and environment, health and safety. A key responsibility is to develop innovative initiatives to foster the Division’s long-term vision, supporting the creation of research programs that will serve this vision and empowering scientists to achieve research targets in line with this vision. In addition, the Director is expected to build and maintain an active portfolio of research aligned with one of the BTUS Division research priorities.

 

The Director will serve as a member of the Energy Technologies Area leadership team, comprised of the Area’s Associate Laboratory Director, Division Directors, and Research and Operations Deputies. As a member of Berkeley Lab's management, the Director is expected to build collaborative partnerships and programs within the Energy Technologies Area, with other Divisions across Berkeley Lab, and with external research institutions, academia, and the broader ecosystem that includes industry partners, other national laboratories, and state and federal agencies. The Director will serve as a spokesperson for the Division in interactions with the Department of Energy (DOE) and other government agencies. The BTUS Division Director will contribute to the leadership of large-scale Laboratory initiatives and responsible stewardship of the Lab’s research, people and assets, including establishing a culture of excellence, equity, and inclusion, while promoting a diverse and welcoming culture at Berkeley Lab.

  

Berkeley Lab's Energy Technologies Area & Building Technology and Urban Systems Division:

Founded by Art Rosenfeld in the 1970s to establish the field of energy efficiency research, Berkeley Lab's Energy Technologies Area translates fundamental scientific discoveries into energy technology innovation and deployment. The Area’s goals are to advance solutions to the climate crisis, enable the U.S. transition to more resilient coupled water–energy systems, build a solid and secure electrical grid, and develop clean-energy technologies that will ensure a more stable world for all.
The Building Technology and Urban Systems Division works closely with industry, government and policy makers to inform and develop building technology and urban systems that increase energy efficiency, save money, improve health and safety for building occupants, and ensure a just and equitable energy transition for homes, businesses, and communities. For decades, we have been leaders in developing energy-efficient and grid interactive building technologies. We are now creating new methods and technologies to support electrification, and integrating buildings with distributed energy resources such as energy storage, photovoltaics and electric vehicles. Our work to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings also explores how to improve the health, safety, and comfort of building occupants, while considering equity and affordability in building technologies and programs. The Division is the home of FLEXLAB® , the world’s most advanced integrated building and grid technologies testbed. BTUS also conducts research to decarbonize industrial energy systems, including data centers and energy intensive manufacturing. Learn more about the BTUS Division here .

 

Key Responsibilities:

Research Strategy and Leadership

• Provide scientific leadership for BTUS Division’s research programs and testing facilities in building technologies, whole building systems, and building and industrial applications. Promote and ensure scientific excellence and quality of research in the Division, enhancing existing research programs and developing new programs that address the national-scale goals.
  

• Guide the strategic research direction for the Division, expanding upon the existing Energy Technologies Area Strategic Plan .
  

• Participate in formulating the research policy and long-term direction of the Laboratory as a whole, and provide consultation to the Laboratory Director, Deputy Directors, and Associate Laboratory Director regarding new initiatives for the strategic direction of the Laboratory.
  

• Develop and maintain an independently funded research program/portfolio in an area aligned with BTUS Division research priorities.
  

• Provide expert technical advice on energy efficiency and decarbonization in buildings, industrial systems, technologies that reduce energy use, peak demand and greenhouse gas emissions, and demand response systems to scientific and governmental advisory organizations.
  

Partnership, Communications, and Culture

• Work collaboratively with the Associate Laboratory Director and the other Division Directors (Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts, Energy Storage and Distributed Resources) to develop research initiatives, programs, and other activities that advance the mission of the Energy Technologies Area; build teams and institution-wide programs across other Scientific Areas and Divisions.
  

• Act as chief spokesperson for the BTUS Division in interactions with Division staff and sponsors, Berkeley Lab community, and external agencies, including serving as a key liaison to the DOE Building Technologies Office within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Maintain and evolve partnerships with DOE officials, and influence and implement DOE policies as they impact the BTUS Division.
  

• Collaborate effectively with other Division and Area principal investigators across Energy Technologies and Berkeley Lab to define and achieve common or cross-cutting research goals.
  

• Facilitate collaborative research activities and programs with UC Berkeley and other research institutions, and develop cooperative programs with large energy users, utilities, industry and foundations to the mutual benefit of Berkeley Lab and its partners.
  

• Establish and communicate BTUS Division’s mission, goals, and research accomplishments to Division members, funding sponsors, Berkeley Lab staff and leadership, and to the broader research community.
  

• Lead by example to ensure that Berkeley Lab’s principles of stewardship, inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability are modeled and implemented.
  

Research Operations

• Working in consultation and coordination with the Area, responsible for all areas of operations management within the BTUS Division and its staff of 130 employees (including scientists, postdoctoral fellows, administrative, technical and operations staff, and students).
  

• Oversee and provide strategic advice to the departments and groups within the Division; manage Department Heads and Research and Operations Deputies.
  

• Partner with Operations Deputies to ensure operational efficiencies across the full range of operations areas, including budgets, funding, workforce planning, human resources, environmental, health, and safety, property, space, and facilities management.
  

• As a team member of the Laboratory’s management team, work to advance the interests of Berkeley Lab and assure efficient, effective, and safe operation of the Laboratory.

 

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or equivalent education/experience in a scientific discipline relevant to building and industrial technologies, and at least 10 years of professional experience post doctorate.
  

• Recognized leader with a record of impactful research accomplishments in building and industrial technologies, energy efficiency and decarbonization, including publications in peer-reviewed, archival scientific journals.
  

• Significant technical knowledge and research experience with energy use and end-use analysis, and demonstrated competence in the leadership of scientific projects and collaborative science with multidisciplinary research teams, including maintaining an active research program.
  

• Familiarity with relevant research sponsors and ability to interact effectively with funding agencies and advocate for Berkeley Lab. Demonstrated ability to initiate substantial new research efforts and collaborations and secure related research grants and funding.
  

• Management experience in motivating staff, managing conflicts, and effectively building diverse teams as well as placing a high value on shared success.
  

• Ability to effectively manage programs in complex organizations.
  

• Proven track record in advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability.
  

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to interact at the highest level of management internally and externally in a constructive and collaborative manner that appropriately represents the Laboratory.
  

• Expertise in strategic planning, developing research projects and research funding, technology transfer and research implementation.

 

Application Guidelines:

• Please include a cover letter that highlights (i) your interest and vision for the position, (ii) relevant research and organizational leadership experience, (iii) relevant accomplishments, and (iv) personal contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
  

• This position is expected to pay $300,000 to $350,000, which fits within the full salary range of $224,292 to $448,380 for the Scientific Division Director job classification. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience (including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications), as well as aligned with the internal leadership peer group.
  

• 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.
  

• The BTUS Division Director is an at-will position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director.
  

• This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
  

• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

 

Learn About Us:

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. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship , which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA ) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive.

 

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status.

 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.