Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG); Ames, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Vacation, holiday, and sick time

Onsite childcare

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing program

WorkFlex options

Job summary

Ames National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental studies of superconducting and magnetic quantum materials, with a focus on thin films, interfaces, and heterostructures. The role involves developing advanced magneto-sensing techniques and applying quantum information science concepts to understand decoherence mechanisms in superconducting qubits.

Collaboration across condensed-matter physics, materials science, and quantum information science is

Qualifications

• The candidate must have a Ph.D. in a closely related field with substantial experimental work.
• Strong background in superconductivity, magnetism, and quantum materials is preferred.
• Experience with low-temperature techniques, cryogenic systems, and precision measurements is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research on superconducting and magnetic quantum materials, focusing on thin films and interfaces.
• Develop and optimize measurement techniques, including tunnel-diode resonators and magneto-optical imaging.
• Plan, execute, and analyze experiments, and perform numerical calculations or simulations when needed.
• Collaborate across condensed-matter physics, materials science, and quantum information science; communicate results effectively.

Skills

Quantum materials

Cryogenic techniques

Low-temperature measurements

Experiment planning

Data analysis

Education

PhD in experimental condensed-matter physics

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB

Origin

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

Ames, IA

Full time

R19826

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-characterization 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 (https://www.ameslab.gov/careers-and-internships/life-ames) ? 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

• 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

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.

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].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensiveland-grantmission 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

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, 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 [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.