Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Ames National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory affiliated with Iowa State University, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental research on the synthesis and characterization of novel inorganic and intermetallic magnetic materials, including compounds that may contain rare-earth elements.

The successful candidate will collaborate with principal investigators, staff, students, and external partners on a project focused on the synthesis and characterization of magnetic materials. The primary responsibility will be hands-on experimental synthesis of novel compounds to identify new permanent-magnet compositions. As part of a larger permanent-magnet discovery effort, the researcher will work closely with theorists and experimentalists from diverse disciplines. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment are important for success in this role.

The postdoctoral researcher will synthesize inorganic compounds and alloys, including materials that may contain rare-earth elements, using a range of experimental methods. Responsibilities include preparing and mixing reactants; handling air- and moisture-sensitive materials; loading and sealing reactants in suitable containers or crucibles; and conducting high-temperature reactions by arc melting, induction-, tube-, or box-furnace heating, vacuum or inert-atmosphere processing, and related methods. The researcher will recover reaction products, determine phase composition and crystal structure by powder X-ray diffraction, and measure the basic magnetic properties of selected samples. In consultation with the principal investigator, the researcher will design and refine synthesis protocols by varying temperature, time, composition, atmosphere, additives, crucible or container materials, and other relevant parameters. The researcher may also be assigned to contribute to other Ames National Laboratory projects involving magnetic materials.

The work will include planning and conducting experiments; maintaining complete and accurate laboratory records; critically evaluating results; and preparing material for invention disclosures, project meetings, progress reports, and peer-reviewed publications. The researcher must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues at national laboratories, universities, and industry. The position requires effective management of multiple tasks, timely completion of project milestones, clear communication of results, and contributions to quarterly progress reports.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field must be completed before the employment start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of phase diagrams, crystallography, and magnetism.
• Demonstrated experience with high-temperature synthesis of intermetallic compounds using one or more of the following methods: sealed-tube or sealed-container reactions, arc melting, vacuum or inert-atmosphere processing, tube-furnace processing, or related thermal-processing techniques.
• Experience acquiring and analyzing powder X-ray diffraction data, including phase identification and qualitative and quantitative phase analysis using Rietveld refinement. Experience acquiring and interpreting data from one or more of the following techniques is also preferred: SEM/EDS, DSC/TGA, XRF, or magnetic property measurements.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions; collaborate with others; maintain accurate laboratory records; and meet project milestones.

Department/Program & College Description:

Would you like to work for a National Laboratory that conducts world-renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a beautiful university campus? Can you imagine yourself in a mid-sized location that regularly ranks as one of the U.S. Best Places to Live? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider a career with Ames National Laboratory!

Ames Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy federally contracted National Laboratory located in Ames, Iowa, on the campus of Iowa State University. We are dedicated to translating foundational science through applied research to create technological innovations. We create materials, inspire minds to solve problems, and address some of the most challenging issues facing our world today. We promote and believe in a culture of civility and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory's collective success.

Department Unit/Website (if applicable):

www.ameslab.gov 

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

List of Professional References

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:

October 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Post Docs

Original Posting Date:

July 15, 2026

Posting Close Date:

July 28, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19612

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

 

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.