Job Information
Iowa State University Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory in Ames, Iowa
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 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 (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 diversity, equity, inclusion, civility, and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory's collective success.
The Division of Critical Materials at Ames National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for research on recovery/reuse/recycling of critical materials as well as synthesis of materials. The position will support the group leader in maintaining laboratory equipment and space.
This position will perform research to develop methods that enable the recycling and reuse of critical materials from different waste types, minimize environmental impacts of recycling and improve recycling economics. Examples of materials focus for recycling and reuse include rare earth elements, platinum group metals, transition metal alloys and alkali earth metals. The position will work on chemical synthesis of new materials and will aid in materials characterization. The incumbent will help in training and supporting students and in maintaining laboratory spaces, hygiene, and safety policies.
Additionally, the position will help in writing scientific publications, evaluating current laboratory procedures/processes; and implementing new practices to maximize efficiency of the laboratory and equipment.
This position involves multiple tasks with the ability to prioritize various temporally interrelated tasks and complete them as efficiently as possible. Proficiency and knowledge of related competencies is important for success in this position. Incumbent must possess the ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse set of staff including principal investigators, staff scientists, other postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduate research assistants and other external stakeholders. The ability to learn new skills related to the technologies integral to materials research is important for success in this position.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. must be completed prior to start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. in physical science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, metallurgy, materials science, or related field.
Demonstrated experience in recycling research on critical materials such as rare earth elements, cobalt, lithium, platinum group metals, etc.
Experience in synthesis and separation of materials via inorganic and/or organic chemistry methods.
Experience in handling toxic and hazardous chemicals including acids, potential or identified carcinogens, flammable and peroxide-forming substances.
Experience in characterizing materials composition, purity, phase, morphology, etc.
Experience working in mid- to large-sized research group.
Experience in preparing manuscripts for publication, creation of presentations, drafting of progress reports and presentation of results at scientific meetings.
Department Unit/Website:
www.ameslab.gov
Proposed Start Date:June 3, 2024
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:June 2, 2025
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 Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
3) List of Professional ReferencesIf 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: April 8, 2024
Posting Close Date:May 8, 2024
Job Requisition Number:R14405
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission 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, global, and culturally diverse 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/diversity-and-inclusion/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 is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . 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 employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
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.