Postdoctoral Research Associate at Ames National Laboratory

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 Qualifications:

• Ph.D. 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

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter which briefly describes research experience, career objectives, and the reason this specific research would benefit by taking place at Ames National Laboratory;
• A current C.V.;
• The names and contact information of three academic or research referees.

To apply for this opportunity, please follow this link: https://isu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/IowaStateJobs/details/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate---Ames-National-Laboratory_R12888

Ames National Laboratory/Iowa State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 3350 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email: eooffice@iastate.edu.