Information Scientist - Research Data Systems & Interoperability

Requisition Id16291

Overview:

Do you have a passion for applying AI methods for accelerating scientific discoveries and an ability to think outside of the box in a collaborative and open environment? If so, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Learning Systems Group within the Data and Artificial Intelligence Systems section invites you to apply to our new research professional position in AI for science and national security.

We are seeking a cross-disciplinary Information Scientist to advance research data capabilities within a national laboratory environment. This role requires deep expertise in research data management, governance, and interoperable data systems, with a focus on supporting mission-driven science across multiple facilities and programs. The successful candidate will lead complex data initiatives, enabling secure, scalable, and standards-based data integration to accelerate scientific discovery and collaboration.

The Learning Systems Group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory focuses on artificial intelligence and computational research and applies this knowledge to support the nation's leading initiatives. We hire top researchers and engineers who are ready to tackle the hardest problems faced by both the US and the world. Researchers of the Learning Systems group are changing the world with their research, and we are committed to hiring and retaining highly motivated, energetic, and creative individuals that will help us continue our breakthrough scientific endeavors.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation's biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 7,000 people! These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL's broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate multi-facility and multi-program data management and governance initiatives aligned with laboratory mission priorities
• Design, develop, and implement interoperable data systems that enable secure data sharing across scientific domains and user facilities
• Develop robust data pipelines and frameworks using Python and modern data technologies suitable for high-performance and distributed computing environments
• Apply ontology engineering and semantic technologies to support knowledge representation, data integration, and discoverability
• Establish and promote best practices for research data lifecycle management, including metadata standards, curation, stewardship, and compliance with federal policies
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and cyberinfrastructure teams to ensure data systems reflect domain-specific and experimental context
• Support implementation of FAIR and open science principles while balancing security, privacy, and export control requirements
• Contribute to strategic planning for data infrastructure and participate in cross-laboratory and interagency data initiatives

Basic Qualifications:

• An MS degree in library science or information science or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in research data management and governance in a scientific or research-intensive environment
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with modern data frameworks and distributed systems
• Experience with ontology engineering, semantic web technologies, or knowledge representation
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-disciplinary projects across multiple stakeholders or facilities
• Strong understanding of data standards, interoperability challenges, and scientific data workflows

Preferred Qualifications:

• An active Q/SCI clearance
• Ph.D. in Information Science
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines and adapt to changing needs.
• Experience working within or collaborating with national laboratories, federal research programs, or large-scale scientific facilities
• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments and data-intensive science
• Knowledge of federal data policies, open science initiatives, and FAIR data principles
• Experience supporting user facilities or large collaborative research programs

Security Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.