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 diverse, 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, civility, and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory's collective success.

The Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering at the Ames National Laboratory is searching for a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate. Ames National Laboratory is a U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory located on the campus of Iowa State University, offering a diverse, innovative working environment that excels at cutting-edge chemistry, physical sciences, and materials research. Ames Laboratory is a world leader in catalysis, polymer upcycling, rare earths, separations, computational chemistry, quantum materials, synthesis, and additive manufacturing. Ames Laboratory is the home of the Critical Materials Institute, a DOE-supported Energy Innovation Hub.  

We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate to work on two related projects. The first project focuses on bioinspired synthesis of metamaterials based on DNA origami nanostructures and understanding the approaches use DNA to fabricate small and complex devices that can be used to manipulate light. The second project is focused on monitoring rare earth cation mobility in layered natural and synthetic aluminosilicates minerals to gain a fundamental understanding of the environment of rare earth elements in these complex materials. If successful, this research will lead to development of new clean energy technologies. The successful candidate will be involved in comprehensive characterization electron beam-sensitive materials by using electron microscopy in-situ, including the characterization in hydrated state. Our objects range from macromolecular complexes and origami nanostructures to soft/hard interfaces and layered specimens. We are looking for applicants with hands-on experience using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and focused ion beam (FIB) techniques.  

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in chemistry, physics, materials sciences, or similar field. Ph.D. must be completed prior to the start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• demonstrated proficiency and understanding of experimental scanning transmission electron microscopy and complex data processing
• experience with in-situ techniques
• solid publication record

Department Unit/Website:

www.ameslab.gov  

Proposed Start Date:
December 1, 2023

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
November 30, 2024

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 University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our 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:
September 6, 2023

Posting Close Date:
October 8, 2023

Job Requisition Number:
R12888