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Position Title:Ames National Laboratory Scientist I - Battery & Halide Chemistry

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Master’s degree and 3 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:Degree in metallurgy, physical science, physics, chemistry, materials science or related field.

Hands-on experience in the study of complex materials systems, particularly phase evolution, thermal stability, etc.

Demonstrated capabilities with processes for battery recycling, especially direct recycling methods.

Experience with the study of halide-based materials and demonstrated application of such materials to a critical materials’ relevant application.

Proven ability to conduct advanced characterization (XRD, SEM/EDS, XPS, ICP-OES/MS, Raman/IR, DSC/TGA-GC-MS; LECO O/N/H/C etc.).

Operation of vacuum/inert furnaces, gloveboxes, , hot materials transfer/handling, and inert-gas management.

Experience in laboratory space management including equipment maintenance and chemical inventory management.

Technical writing and communication skills; ability to defend methods/results in reviews and at professional meetings.

Experience or exposure in writing grant proposals.

Job 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.

The Division of Critical Materials (DCM) at Ames National Laboratory seeks a Scientist I to conduct basic and applied research in battery materials development and recycling as well as in the development, characterization, and application of halide chemistry for materials processing and refinement. Ames National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory operated by Iowa State University under contract. DCM is the Ames National Laboratory division that oversees the DOE Critical Materials Innovation Hub (CMI).

The successful candidate will design and advance novel battery-recycling technologies, including Ames National Laboratory’s BRAWS (https://www.ameslab.gov/news/new-lithium-ion-battery-recycling-method-is-earth-friendly-and-more-economical) (Battery Recycling and Water Splitting) platform. The role will also pursue mechanisms, structure–property relationships, transport, and interphase chemistry associated with the discovery, development, and application of halide chemistries, and will leverage these chemistries in the processing and refinement of critical materials. The position includes hypothesis-driven research with clear line-of-sight to prototype-relevant validation. Candidates should be prepared to broaden their expertise across multiple material classes, with particular focus on DOE-designated critical materials.

The role requires operation and upkeep of key laboratory systems including vacuum and inert-atmosphere furnaces, gloveboxes, fume hoods, and molten-salt electrolysis cells. It includes the use of standard characterization tools (ICP-OES/MS, DSC/TGA-GC-MS, XRD, SEM/EDS, etc.), executed with rigorous EHS and data-integrity practices.

The Scientist I will collaborate with the supervisor, DCM researchers, Ames National Laboratory investigators, and partners across the CMI Hub to perform cutting-edge research. Responsibilities include conceiving, planning, executing, and supervising experiments; analyzing and interpreting results; and presenting and defending findings in internal reviews and at professional meetings. The incumbent will author manuscripts; mentor students; support postdoctoral researchers; and lead or contribute to competitive research proposals (as PI or co-PI) to sustain and grow the program. The position will also interface with administrative staff and cultivate a broader network of industrial, national-laboratory, and academic partners, in alignment with Ames National Laboratory’s strategic goals.

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS810

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: November 20, 2025

Posting Close Date:December 4, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R18167

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.