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Position Title:Ames National Laboratory Division Director - Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Ph.D. and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:Doctoral degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, or related fields. Track record in basic research for condensed matter physics, materials science, or related fields.

Demonstrated capability of nurturing a positive culture in a multi-disciplinary team, including mentoring, developing, and evaluating scientific staff at various stages of their career.

Understanding of DOE, its expectations, and mechanisms for funding National Laboratories, particularly Basic Energy Sciences. Experience with operational activities including ES&H, facilities, budgets, funding, property, and human resources.

Leadership experience in a large, multi-disciplinary scientific organization with the ability to define, develop, and act towards the Division’s strategic goals. Experience in developing and leading complex scientific/engineering research initiatives including organizing multidisciplinary teams of researchers, and program / proposal development and evaluation.

Job Description:

Ames National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory, seeks a Division Director for the Division of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE). The Division Director will lead one of the world’s top research centers for condensed matter physics and materials science. The ideal candidate is a motivated researcher in condensed matter physics, materials sciences, chemistry, or related fields, with a passion for interdisciplinary research and positive engagement with the entire Laboratory. The focus of this position is on leading the Division, supporting programs, people, and facilities crucial for the Laboratory. Successful candidates may also actively engage in research, preferably complementing existing research areas and skills.

DMSE conducts experimental and theoretical research on advanced materials, from fundamental condensed matter physics to applications in fusion, manufacturing, and heat pump technology. The team includes 67 staff members, 20 joint faculty with Iowa State University (ISU), ~50 students and postdocs, with an annual research budget of $24M. Major DOE funding comes from the Offices of Science, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), and Fossil Energy. DMSE research includes world-recognized programs in highly correlated and quantum materials, magnetic and caloric materials, metamaterials, single crystal growth, metal alloys, and powder metallurgy. Efforts in materials synthesis and characterization are highly coupled with strong efforts in advanced characterization such as photoemission, NMR, neutron, and x-ray scattering, ultrafast optics, as well as computational materials design. DMSE is a leader in rare-earth materials, including production of high-purity rare earth elements; novel magnetic, caloric, and quantum materials; and design, optimization, and application of rare-earth containing materials. Applied programs include alloy design for refractory alloys, and their application to fusion and high-temperature turbines, magnet manufacturing, and caloric materials for heat pumps. DMSE researchers are active in the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, a U.S. DOE Energy Innovation Hub led by Ames National Laboratory.

The successful candidate will have a strong vision for fundamental science, and its connection to early-stage applied research. They will engage effectively across all levels of the Laboratory and with external stakeholders; establish positive working relationships across all members of the division, and throughout the laboratory; and mentor researchers to help them develop strong, successful careers. The ability to create a positive culture, and to build and support a complex portfolio of projects and their leadership is essential. Ames Laboratory has a unique relationship with ISU, located on campus, which brings a uniquely academic environment to the laboratory. This is reflected in the number of graduate students and joint faculty supported by the Division. The Division Director should build upon the strengths and opportunities that the campus environment brings to the Laboratory.

The DMSE Director will oversee several research facilities including the Sensitive Instruments Facility (housing state-of-the-art electron-beam characterization capabilities), the Materials Preparation Center (a national resource for high-purity rare earth and other metals and alloys), and the Low Temperature Laboratory (providing cryogens and helium recovery for a variety of research laboratories in multiple buildings). The Advanced Magnet Facility is a new capability in the division. The division is also developing a Critical Minerals Refinery capability with over $15M in facility development.

The Division Director will manage researchers, facilities, and research programs, and participate in the Laboratory Scientific Leadership Team. They will develop and implement strategic planning for the Division, aligned with the Laboratory’s mission to deliver critical materials solutions to the nation. The Division Director will work with the Chief Research Officer to manage the DOE Basic Energy Sciences – Materials Sciences and Engineering portfolio, an Energy Frontier Research Center, and several multi-institutional efforts which span from basic to applied science programs. Candidates must have scientific credentials and relevant research interests aligned with our Basic Energy Sciences portfolio to provide leadership and vision to the research areas of the Division and of Ames National Laboratory as a whole.

Management responsibilities include overseeing the Division’s environmental, safety and health (ES&H), budgets, funding, workforce planning, human resources, environment, property, and facilities. Mentoring and developing Ames Lab scientists, and promoting a collaborative, innovative, ethical, and respectful environment are also key responsibilities.

This position serves at the pleasure of university administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies.

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS816

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 [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?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.

Original Posting Date: July 3, 2025

Posting Close Date:August 10, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17363

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 [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.