Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Vacation and leave time

Onsite childcare

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental research on the synthesis, discovery, and characterization of new ferromagnetic materials.

The successful candidate will work with Ames National Laboratory scientists and ISU faculty, performing high-temperature reactions, phase analysis, and property measurements. Strong collaboration and effective communication for reports and manuscripts are required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in condensed matter physics, solid-state chemistry, materials science or related field.
• Experience with high-temperature solid-state synthesis and crystal growth; flux synthesis, arc melting, vapor transport, or powder sintering.
• Ability to interpret temperature-composition phase diagrams and guide synthesis.
• Strong understanding of magnetism and magnetic materials.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform high-temperature synthesis experiments to discover new ferromagnetic materials.
• Characterize materials using XRD, EDS, electron microscopy and calorimetry.
• Measure magnetization, electrical transport, and specific heat as functions of T and field.
• Collaborate with theoretical/computational researchers and prepare presentations/publications.

Skills

High-temperature synthesis

X-ray diffraction

Magnetism

Materials characterization

Calorimetry

Data analysis

Crystal growth

Education

Ph.D. in condensed matter physics, solid-state chemistry, materials science

Tools

MPMS/PPMS

XRD

SEM/EDS

Calorimetry

Job description

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Division of Materials Science and Engineering is searching for a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental research focused on the synthesis, discovery, and characterization of new ferromagnetic materials. The successful candidate will work with Ames National Laboratory scientists, Iowa State University faculty, and external collaborators on a project seeking to identify new permanent magnets. Primary responsibilities will include preparing and conducting high temperature chemical reactions to discover new ferromagnetic materials using techniques such as flux synthesis, arc melting, and powder sintering. The postdoc will analyze the phase and composition of their reaction products using techniques spanning X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and calorimetry. The postdoc will characterize the physical properties of newly discovered materials, making measurements of their magnetization, electronic transport properties, and specific heat as functions of temperature and applied magnetic field. A major part of the project will also include close collaboration with theoretical and computational materials scientists. The postdoc will perform targeted exploratory reactions in ternary and quaternary compositional spaces to provide experimental benchmarks for computational predictive models. The work will include planning and carrying out experiments, maintaining detailed laboratory records, analyzing data from a diverse range of measurements, and preparing presentations and manuscripts for meetings, conferences, and publications. The ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, meet milestones, communicate results effectively, and contribute to progress reports is essential.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in condensed matter physics, solid-state chemistry, materials science, or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in condensed matter physics, solid-state chemistry, materials science, or related field
• Experience with high-temperature solid-state synthesis and crystal growth. Expertise should include techniques such as flux synthesis/solution growth, arc melting, vapor transport reactions, and/or powder sintering.
• Experience with hot glass-working techniques to prepare and vacuum-seal glass ampoules for conducting reactions.
• Ability to interpret and construct temperature-composition phase diagrams to guide experimental synthesis efforts.
• A strong understanding of magnetism and magnetic materials is essential.
• Experience in measuring and analyzing physical properties including magnetization, electrical resistivity, Hall effect, specific heat, etc.
• Prior experience operating and maintenance of Quantum Design MPMS and/or PPMS instruments is preferred.
• Ability to conduct and analyze data from X-ray diffraction measurements, including phase identification and, preferably, Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray diffraction data.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions.
• Ability to work collaboratively, 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. Employees with appointment at Ames National Laboratory are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation during the recruitment phase for review by Ames National Laboratory. Employment is contingent upon satisfying applicable requirements of Ames National Laboratory’s federal sponsor, the United States Department of Energy, and ISU requirements. These may include background checks and eligibility determinations related to access of facilities, information, or projects. This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain government access authorization for the duration of the appointment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• 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
• 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.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

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. [phone], email [e-mail].

Job Details

Proposed Start Date: December 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12

Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: Post Docs