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Position Title:Postdoc Research Associate - Engineering

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The postdoctoral research associate will perform density functional theory, and atomic-scale simulations to investigate the decomposition of polymers using zeolite catalysts. The successful candidate will employ a combination of density functional theory (DFT), machine learning force fields (ML-FF), and data-driven machine learning models to investigate reaction mechanisms, catalyst activity, kinetics, and structure–function relationships. The successful candidate will: Performing DFT simulations to study key reaction steps in polymer cracking and dehydrogenation. Developing and applying machine learning force fields for large-scale reactive simulations. Integrating ML methods to accelerate exploration of catalyst–polymer interactions and optimize catalytic pathways. Collaborating with experimental and computational partners to validate predictions and refine models.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

+ Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Demonstrated expertise in atomic-scale simulations (e.g., MD, DFT, ML-FF)

+ Demonstrated proficiency in computational programming (Python, C++, or related programs)

+ Demonstrated experience with writing research publications

Proposed Start Date:September 1, 2025

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:August 31, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

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 LetterIf 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 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: July 31, 2025

Posting Close Date:August 7, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17447

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.

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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.