Job Description
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory
Ames, IA Full
Time R18168 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.
The Division of Critical Materials at Ames National Laboratory is seeking multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates to
conduct cutting-edge research on critical materials challenges.
The selected candidates will engage in innovative research in one or
more of the following areas:
(i).
Separation science of rare earth elements , including selective partitioning between light
and heavy rare earths (e.g., La-Nd vs. Dy-Y) and fine separations within the heavy rare earth group (e.g., Tb-Dy-Ho).
(ii).
Development and optimization of solvent extraction, ion-exchange, and hydrometallurgical processes for individual recovery of rare
earths and other critical metals.
(iii).
Design and synthesis of advanced extractants, ionic liquids, and ligands tailored for
high selectivity, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact in metal separation systems.
(iv).
Recycling, purification, and
waste minimization strategies supporting circular-economy approaches for critical materials and byproduct
valorization.
Responsibilities include design, synthesis, processing, and characterization of materials utilizing Ames National
Laboratory's state-of-the-art facilities. As part of a DOE Innovation Hub, candidates will collaborate with principal investigators,
scientists at Ames National Laboratory, and external partners from other national laboratories, universities, and industry. While working in
the Division of Critical Materials, postdoctoral researchers will gain valuable experience and contribute to providing solutions for the
nation's critical materials challenges.
The successful candidate will lead research on innovative methods for the separation,
purification, and recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical materials, demonstrating strong technical expertise,
self-motivation, and critical thinking to advance the project goals. Additional responsibilities include preparing technical reports,
publishing and presenting research findings, and providing mentorship to students. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along
with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary research environment, are essential for success in this
position.
Required Minimum Qualifications: - Ph.D. in experimental Material Science, Analytical Chemistry, Organic
Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry or closely related disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications: - Ph.D. in experimental
Material Science, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry or closely related disciplines.
- Design and perform
experiments in separation science involving rare earths and transition metals.
- Develop and optimize extraction, precipitation,
solvent, and ion-exchange processes for selective separations.
- Synthesis and characterization of organic ligands and ionic liquids
for solvent extraction or coordination chemistry.
- Experience in hydrometallurgical process development, including leaching,
purification, and crystallization stages.
- Experience working with rare earth elements and experience handling air/and
moisture-sensitive materials in inert atmosphere environments (e.g., glovebox work).
- Application of spectroscopic and analytical
tools such as NMR, ICP-OES , XRD, XRF, SEM, TGA, DSC, and related instrumentation.
Department
Unit/Website: Proposed Start Date: March 2, 2026
Proposed End Date or Length of
Term: March 1, 2027
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: November 20, 2025
Posting Close Date: January 19,
2026
Job Requisition Number: R18168
To apply, visit National-Laboratory_R18168?jobFamilyGroup=ad349100dff401e4977b360b060a32e3 jeid-6502be25a22d434798c66dddf65a76ae
Job Tags
Full time, Traineeship, Flexible hours,