Ames, IA
Full time
R20238
Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate (4-month TERM) – Ames National Laboratory
Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:The Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Ames National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct high magnetic field characterization, heat capacity, and magnetotransport measurements of kagome metals. The candidate must have experience in preparing single-crystal samples and conducting measurements in high-field environments, including pulsed fields.
This will be a 4-month term position.
Required Minimum Qualifications:Ph.D. in experimental condensed-matter physics, applied physics, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications:Demonstrated hands-on experience with low-temperature experimental techniques, cryogenic systems, focused ion-beam sample preparation, high magnetic fields and pulsed fields. Experience conducting experiments at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is highly valued. Background in magnetism, topological materials, and familiarity with conventional characterization (transport, PPMS/MPMS).
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions; collaborate with others; maintain accurate laboratory records; and meet project milestones.
Department/Program & College Description: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 (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 civility and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory’s collective success.
Employment is with Iowa State University with appointment at Ames National Laboratory. Your appointment is contingent, at the time of hire and throughout your employment, on satisfying applicable requirements of Ames National Laboratory’s f ederal sponsor, the United States Department of Energy, and ISU requirements. These may include background checks, required disclosures of certain activities or affiliations, and eligibility determinations related to access of facilities, information, or projects. All positions require obtaining and maintaining federal government-issued access authorizations or meeting additional compliance requirements. If you do not meet or maintain applicable requirements or authorizations, or are deemed ineligible to participate in Laboratory activities, ISU may withdraw this offer or take appropriate employment action, up to and including termination.
Department Unit/Website (if applicable):
www.ameslab.gov
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:
+ Resume/Curriculum Vitae
+ Letter of Application/Cover Letter
+ List of Professional References
Why Choose Iowa State University?Iowa State Employees 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)
+ Life insurance and long-term disability
+ Flexible Spending Accounts
+ Various voluntary benefits and discounts
+ Employee Assistance Program
+ Wellbeing program
+ Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
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.
Proposed Start Date:January 1, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:Post Docs
Original Posting Date: November 11, 2026
Posting Close Date:November 17, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R20238
Employees with appointment at Ames National Laboratory are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation during the recruitment phase for review by Ames National Laboratory.
Employment is contingent upon satisfying applicable requirements of Ames National Laboratory’s federal sponsor, the United States Department of Energy, and ISU requirements. These may include background checks and eligibility determinations related to access of facilities, information, or projects. This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain government access authorization for the duration of the appointment.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, 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, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
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.
Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub (https://www.myworkday.com/isu/d/task/2998$46522.htmld?reloadToken=892f884ef9c2fa7e5e6257ecf4e9e942f7aa1a12df75918c6ce41bc78e123167) .
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 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/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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, 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, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 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.