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Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

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 at Ames National Laboratory is seeking multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates to conduct cutting-edge research on critical materials challenges.

The selected candidates will engage in innovative research in one or more of the following areas:

(i). Separation science of rare earth elements, including selective partitioning between light and heavy rare earths (e.g., La–Nd vs. Dy–Y) and fine separations within the heavy rare earth group (e.g., Tb–Dy–Ho).

(ii). Development and optimization of solvent extraction, ion-exchange, and hydrometallurgical processes for individual recovery of rare earths and other critical metals.

(iii). Design and synthesis of advanced extractants, ionic liquids, and ligands tailored for high selectivity, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact in metal separation systems.

(iv). Recycling, purification, and waste minimization strategies supporting circular-economy approaches for critical materials and byproduct valorization.

Responsibilities include design, synthesis, processing, and characterization of materials utilizing Ames National Laboratory’s state-of-the-art facilities. As part of a DOE Innovation Hub, candidates will collaborate with principal investigators, scientists at Ames National Laboratory, and external partners from other national laboratories, universities, and industry. While working in the Division of Critical Materials, postdoctoral researchers will gain valuable experience and contribute to providing solutions for the nation’s critical materials challenges.

The successful candidate will lead research on innovative methods for the separation, purification, and recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical materials, demonstrating strong technical expertise, self-motivation, and critical thinking to advance the project goals. Additional responsibilities include preparing technical reports, publishing and presenting research findings, and providing mentorship to students. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary research environment, are essential for success in this position.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

+ Ph.D. in experimental Material Science, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry or closely related disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Ph.D. in experimental Material Science, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry or closely related disciplines.

+ Design and perform experiments in separation science involving rare earths and transition metals.

+ Develop and optimize extraction, precipitation, solvent, and ion-exchange processes for selective separations.

+ Synthesis and characterization of organic ligands and ionic liquids for solvent extraction or coordination chemistry.

+ Experience in hydrometallurgical process development, including leaching, purification, and crystallization stages.

+ Experience working with rare earth elements and experience handling air/and moisture-sensitive materials in inert atmosphere environments (e.g., glovebox work).

+ Application of spectroscopic and analytical tools such as NMR, ICP-OES, XRD, XRF, SEM, TGA, DSC, and related instrumentation.

Department Unit/Website:

www.ameslab.gov

Proposed Start Date:March 2, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:March 1, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

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 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 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: November 20, 2025

Posting Close Date:January 19, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R18168

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.