Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

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.

Ames National Laboratory is seeking an innovative and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our Machine Learning Accelerated Materials Discovery Center. Our center leverages the latest advancements in artificial intelligence/ machine learning (AI/ML) and high-performance computing to accelerate the discovery, design and synthesis of advanced functional materials. This position will join research efforts in developing novel computational approaches, including AI/ML methods, interatomic potentials, molecular dynamics simulations, and exascale-ready codes for materials discovery, design, and synthesis. Expertise in ab initio methods and advanced techniques in quantum many-body theory will also support electronic and magnetic calculation and analysis within the center.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in AI/ML and high-performance computing.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, or Fortran).
• Advanced knowledge and experience of ab initio methods for total energy, electronic and magnetic structure calculations
• Advanced knowledge and experience in molecular dynamics simulations and thermodynamics calculations
• Advanced knowledge and experience in computational methods and algorithms for crystal structure predictions.

Department Unit/Website:

www.ameslab.gov 

Proposed Start Date:

June 2, 2025

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 1, 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:

March 19, 2025

Posting Close Date:

April 20, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R16624