LABORATORY FOR NUCLEAR SCIENCE OVERVIEW:
The Laboratory for Nuclear Science (LNS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is at the forefront of advancing our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature, pioneering newenergy frontiers, and exploring the intricate behaviors of atomic nuclei. LNS is home to avibrant community of over 300 members, including more than 40 active faculty, as well asresearchers, students, and support staff. In 2024, the laboratory’s research volume totaledapproximately $30 million, reflecting the scale and impact of its scientific enterprise.
LNS is committed to providing a world-class education in fundamental physics, empowering students and researchers to lead innovative investigations across emerging scientific fields. Through extensive collaboration with leading global research facilities, LNS offers unparalleled opportunities for academic, government, and industry careers. Beyond its research in nuclearscience, LNS plays a vital role in applying its expertise to a broad range of critical areas, including radiation therapy, energy systems, quantum computing, and the applications of AI incomplex scientific problems. The laboratory advises governments on energy, security, and science policy, helping shape informed decisions and drive progress in global challenges.
POSITION OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
Reporting to the Director of LNS, the Director for Administration and Finances (DAF) is the
senior administrative and financial officer of the Laboratory. The DAF leads day-to-day business
operations with primary responsibility for finance, human resources, facilities, EHS, and
compliance. The DAF ensures that LNS financial and administrative systems meet the
requirements of both federal sponsors and MIT internal oversight, balancing sponsor
accountability with institutional priorities. This position requires expertise in managing complex
federal research funding as well as internal university budget processes.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as chief administrative and financial officer for LNS, advising the Director and faculty
on policy, planning, and resource management.
- Lead financial management for both federally sponsored research and MIT institutional
funds, ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations and university policies.
- Oversee administrative functions across HR, finance, IT, EHS, and facilities.
- Lead annual budget development, integrating sponsor funds, discretionary resources,
administrative allocations, and service center rates.
- Provide financial oversight and reporting for all LNS programs, resolving complex funding,
cost allocation, and charging issues.
- Liaise with MIT central administration, including the School of Science, Office of the Vice
President for Finance, and the Office of Sponsored Programs.
- Collaborate with LNS faculty and LNS Director to align resources with research priorities.
- Oversee personnel actions, hiring, appointments, reclassifications, and compliance.
- Ensure strategic alignment of staffing, space, and financial resources with LNS’s evolving
needs.
- Prepare operational and financial briefings for senior leadership, review committees, and
sponsors.
- Represent LNS on Institute-wide financial and administrative committees.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/Technical Skills:
Required:
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in higher education administration, finance, or research
administration.
- Ten years of supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in federal sponsored research administration, including proposal
budgets, cost principles, and compliance.
- Experience with university financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects independently.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Preferred:
- Previous experience in a research-intensive university or laboratory environment.
- Familiarity with MIT systems such as SAP, Kuali Coeus, BrioQuery, and Tableau.
- Strong understanding of federal research compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance, DOE/NSF
policies).
- Demonstrated ability to integrate federal sponsor requirements with university budgeting and
planning processes.
- Experience in balancing institutional financial planning with externally sponsored research
administration.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
LNS Director
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Supervises the Assistant Director of Computing for LNS, LNS Senior Financial Officer, LNS
Administrator for HR, EHS and Facilities, and the Supervisor of the MIT Central Machine Shop
This position has a 6-month probationary period for new employees to the Institute.
Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background check.
Apply for job # 25225 here: https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mit/external/jobDetails/jobDetail.html?jobPostId=32982
LNS benefits from a diverse and engaged workplace and seeks to further enhance our community by employing individuals from varied backgrounds. LNS actively supports MIT’s commitment to advancing a respectful and caring community that embraces diversity and empowers everyone to learn and do their best.
MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.
