Principal Advisor, Scientific Data Analytics

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, Integrated Discovery 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. Responsibilities The Principal Advisor is a senior strategic role focused on the intersection of science and data analytics.

The advisor will work across PNNL, U.S. Government sponsors, other national laboratories, industry, and academia to define research priorities and develop programs that use data-intensive and AI-enabled approaches to address science challenges. The successful candidate will bring recognized experience in a life science discipline, a strong record of building mission-driven research programs, and the ability to unite scientists, data scientists, engineers, analysts, and policymakers around clearly defined outcomes.

This is a strategy and program-development role that requires technical fluency across both life science and data science, not a laboratory research or software development position. In this role, you will: Set the research direction for data-enabled science Work with sponsors and PNNL leaders to identify priority science challenges, then translate them into focused research questions, success measures, and investment roadmaps.

Shape a coherent portfolio spanning areas such as computational biology/chemistry and AI-enabled research. Develop and grow sponsor-driven research programs Establish and strengthen relationships with government sponsors and mature high-value concepts into funded, multi-year research programs with defined mission outcomes. Align scientific objectives with sponsor requirements, policy and operational constraints, technology readiness, and pathways for transition or adoption.

Lead multidisciplinary teams and partnerships Build durable collaborations with government agencies, national laboratories, universities, and industry; lead working sessions that produce clear requirements, decisions, and follow-on actions. Advise senior leaders and strengthen staff capability Brief senior government and laboratory leaders on emerging analytical approaches, clearly communicating technical implications, limitations, and investment choices.

Mentor staff on sponsor engagement, program development, and executive communication while ensuring technical and analytic products are rigorous, policy-relevant, and actionable. This is a remote position within the United States and requires regular travel to Richland, WA, Seattle, WA, and sponsor or partner locations. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 13 years of experience developing or leading research programs -OR- MS/MA or higher and 11 years of experience developing or leading research programs Experience briefing and supporting senior U.S.

Government leaders Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree in a life science discipline. Demonstrated technical fluency in both life science and data-intensive analytical me