Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory
Iowa State UniversityAbout the role
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National LaboratoryAppointment Type:
Post Doc/TraineeJob 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.
As a U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory located on the campus of Iowa State University, we offer a diverse, innovative working environment that excels at cutting-edge chemistry, physics, and materials research. Ames National Laboratory is a world leader in catalysis, polymer upcycling, separations, computational chemistry, rare earths, quantum materials, synthesis, and additive manufacturing. Ames National Laboratory is the leader of the Critical Materials Institute, a DOE-supported Energy Innovation Hub.
We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate to work on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of organic and bio molecules for the separation of critical minerals. The successful candidate will access the state-of-the-art automation and robotic tools at Ames National Laboratory and develop new methodologies on high-throughput experimentation or artificial intelligence-enabled self-driving labs. The successful candidate must be able to effectively work in a collaborative environment and communicate with a variety of audiences. The successful candidate will draft reports and research manuscripts related to the research project. Presentation of work at national or international research conferences and focused workshops is anticipated.
This is a 1-year term appointment with potential for renewal depending on performance and the availability of funding.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
The candidate must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field. Ph.D. must be completed prior to start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated proficiency and understanding of the synthesis of organic and biochemical molecules, in particular peptides.
- Experience utilizing common molecular analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, UV/vis spectrometer, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, to characterize molecules and precursors.
- Experience utilizing synthetic, purification, and analytical techniques relevant to biomolecules, such as peptide synthesizers, liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, preparative liquid chromatography, and flash chromatography systems.
- Preferred background with high-throughput and autonomous experimentation.
- Preferred experience in data science and artificial intelligence-driven discovery.
- Experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Experience finding relevant publications using Scifinder or other search engines.
Department Unit/Website:
Proposed Start Date:
October 1, 2025Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
September 30, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timeApplication 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:
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