Director, Center for Used Fuel Research

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is seeking a seasoned and visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Center for Used Fuel Research. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of global nuclear waste research and policy through technical, regulatory, and diplomatic engagement. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our REC facility with every other Friday off.

The Director will serve as the Center's top executive, responsible for the strategic direction, international leadership, and operational management of this flagship institution. This position demands exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills-attributes that are considered more critical to success than academic credentials alone. Executive experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments may be considered in lieu of advanced academic degrees.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the Center's mission to support the safe and scientifically defensible management of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste worldwide.
• Serve as the principal representative to DOE, INL, the Center Oversight Council, international partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Oversee a diverse executive team and guide the execution of applied research and development (R&D) focused on storage, disposal, transport, and regulatory tools.
• Communicate complex technical and policy matters with clarity to regulators, policymakers, and global technical organizations.
• Build and sustain partnerships with international waste management authorities (e.g., Posiva Oy, SKB), multinational bodies (e.g., OECD NEA, WNA), and private sector collaborators.
• Ensure Center activities comply with DOE Orders, NRC regulations, FAR/DEAR, and applicable international legal agreements.
• Cultivate an organizational culture of excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate future applied R&D activities directly with DOE leadership and leaders from industry, national laboratories, and universities.
• Be the spokesperson addressing the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle to help to better position the nuclear industry for success.

Minimum Requirements:

• Baccalaureate degree in scientific or other technical field from an accredited institution, 10 years of relevant experience, and a minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in government, industry, or international nuclear policy.
• Demonstrated success leading large, multidisciplinary programs or organizations, particularly within highly regulated environments.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience engaging with senior government officials, international delegates, and technical staff.
• Deep understanding of regulatory, policy, or operational issues related to nuclear fuel cycle management, waste disposition, or national laboratory operations.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Executive or senior leadership experience at a DOE national laboratory, NRC, multinational nuclear organization, or commercial waste management entity.
• Experience navigating DOE Orders, regulations, and international agreements.
• Background in negotiating CRADAs, MOUs, and User Agreements for public-private or international collaboration.
• Familiarity with export control regimes (10 CFR Part 810, EAR, ITAR) and foreign national engagement requirements.

Job Information:

• The target pay range for this position is $159,054 - $230,070 annually. The full pay range is $127,596 - $331,752. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.