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:

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.

The Division of Critical Materials at Ames National Laboratory is seeking multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates to conduct cutting-edge research on critical materials challenges. The selected candidates will engage in innovative research in one or more of the following areas:

i. Magnetism and magnetic materials, including permanent magnets and related systems

ii. Enhancing mechanical properties of functional materials such as Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Co magnets

iii. Developing high-performance magnets using non-critical elements like Ce, La, and mischmetal

iv. Separation, recycling, and waste minimization strategies for critical materials.

Responsibilities include design, synthesis, processing, and characterization of materials utilizing Ames National Laboratory’s state-of-the-art facilities. As part of a DOE Innovation Hub, candidates will collaborate with principal investigators, scientists at Ames National Laboratory, and external partners from other national laboratories, universities, and industry. While working in the Division of Critical Materials, postdoctoral researchers will gain valuable experience and contribute to providing solutions for the nation’s critical materials challenges.

Successful candidates must demonstrate strong technical expertise, self-motivation, and critical thinking skills to drive research forward. Additional duties include writing reports, publishing and presenting results, and mentoring students. Effective communication skills and the ability to work in a cross-disciplinary, collaborative research environment are essential for the positions.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in experimental Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Condensed Matter Physics, Chemistry or closely related disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Powder metallurgical and wet chemistry synthesis processes.
• Experience with alloy development, melting and casting processes.
• Demonstrated capability to produce melt-spun ribbons
• Development, synthesis & characterization of sintered and bonded permanent magnets.
• Development and characterization of other magnetic materials.
• Experience working with rare earth elements.
• Ability to process materials in an inert atmosphere.
• Use of materials characterization tools such as VSM, SQUID magnetometer, SEM, XRD, XRF, TGA, DSC, etc.

Department Unit/Website:

www.ameslab.gov

Proposed Start Date:
July 1, 2025

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
June 30, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

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:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) List of Professional References
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Postdocs 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)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program

Original Posting Date:
February 20, 2025

Posting Close Date:
April 20, 2025

Job Requisition Number:
R16490