Iowa State University

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.

Chemical and Biological Sciences Division at the Ames National Laboratory, is searching for a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate. Ames Laboratory is the home of the Critical Materials Institute, a DOE-supported Energy Innovation Hub.

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate for advanced electron microscopy-based investigations of metal binding by various platforms. The successful candidate will be involved in comprehensive dynamic characterization of electron beam-sensitive materials, including the characterization in hydrated state, under controlled environment, and as a function of external stimuli. This position requires high-resolution electron microscopy imaging, diffraction studies and analytical investigations of low-Z materials. Our systems include natural clays, micas, and other low-dimensional platforms. We are seeking applicants with hands-on experience using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM), and focused ion beam (FIB) techniques. electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

Required Minimum Qualifications:

The candidate must hold a PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, mineralogy or a related discipline. Ph.D. must be completed prior to the start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated proven track-record in the areas of advanced electron microscopy, as well as understanding of experimental scanning transmission electron microscopy and complex data processing.
• Experience with in-situ techniques will be a plus, as well as understanding of the nature of interactions of electron beam with the specimen and critical dose and dose-rate, and a solid publication record.
• Demonstrated experience working successfully as part of a team in a collaborative and multidisciplinary scientific environment.

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:

April 16, 2025

Posting Close Date:

May 18, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R16835

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