Senior Advisor, Nuclear Programs and Policy

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Nuclear Science & Technology (NS&T) Directorate is seeking an accomplished senior individual contributor to serve as a Senior Advisor, Nuclear Programs and Policy. Reporting to the NS&T CTO, this role supports the directorate's relationships with government organizations, industry, academic institutions, national laboratories, and international stakeholders.

The Senior Advisor serves as a subject matter expert translating nuclear energy policy analysis into viable partnership opportunities that advance the mission by growing NS&T's R&D portfolio. Working closely with directorate leadership, this individual provides substantive analysis, coordination support, and direct engagement across NS&T's strategic partnership landscape, ensuring external engagements are consistent, well-prepared, and aligned with directorate priorities and INL's mission objectives.

Recognizing that many external relationships are held at the division and program levels, the advisor provides strategic insights and recommendations, alignment, and strategic coherence so that NS&T presents unified expectations, consistent messaging, and a coordinated external posture across the entire directorate.

This role does not carry formal people management responsibilities but is expected to exercise significant influence, provide expert guidance, and serve as a trusted resource to NS&T divisions, programs, and the CTO organization.
 

Responsibilities:

• Translate nuclear energy policy and strategic priorities into partnership opportunities that grow NS&T’s R&D portfolio.
• Advise leadership on external engagement strategy and partnership development.
• Coordinate and align engagements across divisions to ensure consistent messaging and a unified external presence.
• Support interactions with DOE, other federal agencies, industry, national labs, and global partners.
• Contribute to international engagement strategy aligned with U.S. priorities.
• Provide guidance on partnership mechanisms (e.g., CRADAs, SPPs, MOUs, NDAs).
• Enable program and division leaders to expand mission-driven collaborations.
• Deep expertise in nuclear energy policy, strategy, or related field.
• Strong understanding of DOE, national lab, and/or federal partnership environments.
• Proven ability to influence without authority and operate at a senior advisory level.
• Experience building and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent communication and strategic analysis skills.

Required:

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, public policy, law, or a related field with a minimum of 14 years of relevant experience; or a Master's in engineering, science, public policy, law, or a related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in engineering, science, public policy, law, or a related field with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience external engagement, partnership development, and/or government relations at a national laboratory, federal programs, R&D organization, or major industry institution.
• Demonstrated ability to manage strategic relationships with DOE, other federal agencies, industry partners, state/local governments, national laboratories, and international organizations.
• Experience coordinating complex external engagements and ensuring consistent organizational messaging.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including experience leading high-visibility interactions and representing organizational priorities to senior external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated collaborative leadership and experience reinforcing an inclusive environment that promotes excellence, integrity, and mission-driven leadership.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship. 
   

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, public policy, Juris Doctorate, or related degree. 

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Senior Advisor, Nuclear Programs and Policy to work in our NS&T directorate, in support of our CTO. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Washington D. C. with every other Friday off. 

• The pay range for this position is $164,592 – $337,428. 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.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to 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.