Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Iowa State University has an opening for a joint postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Sid Pathak’s and Prof. Iver Anderson’s research groups in the Materials Science and Engineering department at the Iowa State University (https://www.mse.iastate.edu/sidpathak/ ).

The appointment will be initially for one year with the possibility of extension.

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a strong background in powder metallurgy (e.g., powder synthesis and sintering/consolidation) and metals processing, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, including in-situ observations), advanced materials structural characterization, e.g., X-ray diffraction analysis (lab-source and synchrotron X-ray) and neutron diffraction, and detailed macro/micro-mechanical testing (conventional and in situ). The postdoctoral candidate will work on a Department of Energy (DOE) funded project on ‘Direct Production of ODS Ferritic Alloys for Long-life Reactor Fuel Bundles’. This project seeks to exploit the inherent uniformity, reasonable compressibility, and pressure-assisted sintering of gas atomization reaction synthesis (GARS) precursor oxide dispersoid strengthened (ODS) ferritic steel powder to produce full density powder compacts by conventional vacuum warm pressing. Finally, we will perform heavy ion irradiation on heat treated sheet coupons and characterize the microstructural (grain size, void swelling, and nano-oxide stability using TEM) and nanomechanical changes.

Our proposal integrates collaborative research by two national laboratories and one university partner, with guidance from industry, to perform crosscutting R&D in new materials (GARS ODS precursor powder) to enable advanced reactor designs and fuel technologies. The applicant will work closely with the Ames National Laboratory and the Center for Integrated Nanotechnology (CINT) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) for their research. In addition to the post-doc’s salary, an NSF fellowship will provide for the travel costs for the postdoc to CINT and other locations.

As such, the candidate will have access to Ames National Laboratory, a US Department of Energy (DOE) facility that is on the campus of Iowa State University, and the world-class user facilities at Ames National Laboratory's Materials Processing Center (MPC) and state-of-the-art characterization Sensitive Instrument Facility (SIF), and its impressive set of SEM and TEM instruments.       

The chosen candidate should have strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as experience with the ability to work as a team and independently.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in material science, or other related fields

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in powder metallurgy, metals processing, and/or ODS ferritic alloys.
• Hands-on expertise in electron microscopy, and/or macro/micro-mechanical testing

Proposed Start Date:
October 1, 2023

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
September 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
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 7, 2023

Posting Close Date:
September 14, 2023

Job Requisition Number:
R12872