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Physics Laboratory Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Laboratory Technician

Jonesborough, TN · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S ... Associate Degree with focus on Chemistry, Biology, Physics or other physical science related field ...

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Physics Laboratory Manager information

What does a physics laboratory manager do?

A Physics Laboratory Manager oversees the daily operations of a physics laboratory, ensuring that experiments are conducted safely and efficiently. Their responsibilities include managing laboratory staff, maintaining and calibrating equipment, enforcing safety protocols, and coordinating with faculty or researchers for laboratory schedules and needs. They may also assist in budgeting for lab supplies and training new personnel. Overall, they play a key role in supporting research and educational activities within the laboratory.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics laboratory manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics Laboratory Manager, you need a solid background in physics or a related science, laboratory management experience, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), safety protocols, and scientific instrumentation is typically required, along with certifications in lab safety or hazardous materials handling. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills help manage staff, coordinate experiments, and maintain a safe working environment. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate research, efficient lab operations, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by a physics laboratory manager, and how can they be addressed?

Physics Laboratory Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining complex equipment, ensuring safety compliance, and coordinating experiments among multiple users. Effective time management and clear communication with faculty, students, and technical staff are essential to keep lab operations running smoothly. Proactively scheduling maintenance, providing regular safety training, and fostering a collaborative environment can help address these challenges and ensure the lab remains a productive and safe workspace.

What is the difference between Physics Laboratory Manager vs Physics Laboratory Technician?

AspectPhysics Laboratory ManagerPhysics Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics or related field; management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's in Physics or related field; technical training
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, plans experimentsPerforms experiments, maintains equipment, assists in research
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, labsUniversities, research labs, industrial labs

The Physics Laboratory Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, managing staff, and ensuring safety, while the Physics Laboratory Technician handles hands-on experiments, equipment maintenance, and technical support. Both roles are essential in physics research environments but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Laboratory jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Physics Laboratory jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Physics Laboratory Manager jobs in Tennessee?

For Physics Laboratory Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physics Laboratory Manager jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Laboratory Manager jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Physics Laboratory Manager jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Physics Laboratory Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Physics Laboratory Manager job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

US ITER Project Controls Manager

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the project controls team to develop and maintain project schedules, cost estimates, and risk management strategies.

  • Establish and track project baselines, monitor performance, and manage change control processes.

  • Prepare status reports, support project reviews, and provide guidance on schedules, budgets, and EVMS processes to senior leadership.


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16942
Overview:
The US ITER Project of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a skilled Project Controls Manager to manage a team of project controls specialists for the multi-billion dollar US ITER project.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.
US ITER is a $6.5 Billion, Department of Energy multi-laboratory project that executes the United States (US) contributions to the international ITER fusion project now under assembly in France. The US is a non-host partner in the world's largest and unprecedented scientific partnership to design and construct an experimental fusion facility aimed at establishing the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy. The US ITER project is managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee. Partner labs are Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
The Project Controls Manager is responsible for directing and leading the project controls team and executing comprehensive control strategies that align with overall project objectives and budget and schedule targets. This role requires close collaboration with project leadership and cross-functional teams to establish a cost and schedule baseline, track performance, identify/manage risks, handle change requests, and enforce compliance with DOE and ORNL requirements. Key responsibilities include:
  • Providing leadership and mentorship to project controls staff.
  • Developing and maintaining the project Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and accompanying dictionary, along with logic-driven, resource-loaded schedules and detailed cost estimates.
  • Identifying and managing risks, including overseeing the performance of Monte Carlo simulations and other forms of quantitative risk analysis.
  • Managing change control processes.
  • Preparing various status reports, including those based on Earned Value Management (EVM), and ensuring compliance with ORNL and DOE project management governance.
  • Conducting project management process and systems training for all relevant project staff, with a specific focus on technical control account managers (CAMs).
  • Supporting project reviews, such as project status reviews, stage gate reviews, and earned value system surveillance/compliance reviews.
  • Leading funding analysis and developing strategies for handling shortfalls or surpluses.
  • Developing reports and meeting structures as needed to highlight potential issues and areas of positive impact for exploitation.
  • Providing guidance and counseling regarding schedules, budgets, and EVMS processes to senior project leadership.
  • Delivering ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS/BA in project or construction management, business, engineering or a related field
  • Five years of supervisory personnel experience.
  • Ten years of experience successfully performing project controls duties as noted above for major project(s) within the DOE or Department of Defense (DOD).
  • Significant project experience working within an EVMS environment compliant with O413.3B and EIA-748, including setting baselines, incorporating baseline changes, producing monthly reports, and conducting variance analysis.
  • Complete understanding of project controls best practices regarding scope, time, cost, and change management.
  • Significant hands-on experience with: Oracle Primavera, Deltek Cobra or similar cost processors, change control applications, and custom report development.
  • Strong communications skills and the ability to interact successfully with senior project leadership, DOE, project review committees, and senior laboratory management.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS in project or construction management, engineering, business, or equivalent.
  • Fifteen years of experience successfully performing project controls duties as noted above for research-based or construction project(s) within the DOE Office of Science within a national laboratory environment.
  • Fifteen years of project experience working within an EVMS environment compliant with EIA- 748; to include setting baselines, incorporating baseline changes, producing monthly reports and variance analysis.
  • Experience in training on project management principles or tools, specifically CAM training.
  • Solid understanding and DOE Office of Science project management best practices.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or equivalent project management certification.

Special Requirements:
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
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.

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