Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames (IA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ames National Laboratory, part of Iowa State University, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental studies on superconducting and magnetic quantum materials. The project focuses on thin films, interfaces, and heterostructures, exploring superconducting order, quasiparticles, and decoherence in superconducting quantum circuits such as transmon qubits.

The successful candidate will learn and develop custom techniques, perform measurements at cryogenic

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in experimental condensed-matter physics, materials physics, applied physics, or closely related field.
• Experience with low-temperature experiments, cryogenic systems, vacuum equipment, and precision measurements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and analyze experiments on superconducting and magnetic quantum materials.
• Develop and optimize techniques for thin and ultrathin films, interfaces and heterostructures.
• Communicate results across condensed-matter physics, materials science and quantum information science.

Skills

Low-temperature techniques

Precision measurements

Scientific programming

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB

X-ray/neutron scattering

Education

Ph.D. in experimental condensed-matter physics

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB

Origin

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

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 seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental research on superconducting and magnetic quantum materials. The research will emphasize thin and ultrathin films, interfaces, and heterostructures, with particular interest in the superconducting order parameter, thermal and induced quasiparticles, two-level systems, the effects of controlled disorder and emergent phenomena in low-dimensional systems. The materials studied will include superconductors relevant to quantum information science as well as unconventional and candidate topological superconductors and selected magnetic quantum materials. The central research goal is to develop and employ advanced magneto-sensing approaches to identify the mechanisms that cause dissipation and decoherence in superconducting quantum circuits, particularly transmon qubits. The postdoctoral researcher will learn, operate, improve, and help develop custom experimental techniques optimized for small-volume and thin-film samples. This will involve tunnel-diode resonators, real-space magneto-optical imaging, and quantum magneto-sensing using NV centers in diamond. It will also include more conventional thermodynamic and transport measurements. The work will include planning and conducting experiments, critically analyzing experimental results and performing numerical calculations or simulations where appropriate. The researcher must be able to work both independently and collaboratively and to communicate effectively across condensed-matter physics, materials science, and quantum information science.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in experimental condensed-matter physics, materials physics, applied physics, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in experimental superconductivity, magnetism, and quantum materials, effects of disorder and impurities, and low-dimensional phenomena.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with low-temperature experimental techniques, cryogenic systems, vacuum equipment, magnetic fields, low‑noise electronics, and precision measurements.
• Experience with dilution refrigerators and millikelvin measurements is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing, modifying, or constructing experimental apparatus.
• Particularly relevant experience includes AC susceptibility, radio‑and microwave measurements, magnetic penetration depth, optical magnetometry and magneto‑optical imaging.
• Experience with thin and ultrathin films, interfaces, and heterostructures is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with conventional materials‑characterisation techniques and an understanding of the physical information they provide, including transport, PPMS and MPMS measurements, X‑ray or neutron scattering, and electron microscopy.
• Direct experimental expertise in these techniques is not expected.
• Experience with scientific programming, quantitative data analysis, numerical calculations and simulations using tools such as LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, Origin, COMSOL Multiphysics, or comparable scientific software.
• Interest in connecting fundamental materials physics with superconducting quantum information science, in particular the performance of superconducting qubits and microscopic mechanisms of decoherence such as two‑level systems, magnetic defects, surfaces, and interfaces.
• Prior experience working directly with qubits is advantageous but is not required.
• 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

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.

Proposed Start Date

November 2, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

Post Docs

Original Posting Date

August 21, 2026

Posting Close Date

September 3, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19826

Employment Restrictions

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.

Equal Opportunity 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

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].

General Compensation Information

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. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land‑grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that foster the land‑grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

Offers of Employment

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. 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]. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call (515) 294‑4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477‑7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7‑1‑1 or (800) 735‑2942. 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.