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Position Title:Ames National Laboratory Scientist I

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

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

Preferred Qualifications:PhD in experimental condensed matter physics, material sciences or material engineering.

Three or more years’ research experience following a PhD.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in low-temperature magnetic measurements beyond standard magnetometers.

Demonstrated solid publication record in relevant areas with leading authorship.

Job Description:

Would you like to continue your scientific career at a U.S. National Laboratory that conducts world-renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a beautiful university campus in a mid-sized city 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 National 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 and inspire minds to solve problems, addressing some of the most challenging issues facing our world today. We promote and believe in a culture of civility and shared ownership, supporting the Laboratory's collective success.

Position Overview

The Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Ames National Laboratory seeks a highly qualified, strongly motivated Scientist I who will grow into a strong contributor to active, collaborative research in quantum information and condensed matter physics. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic, diverse team—including Ames National Laboratory staff scientists, Department of Physics & Astronomy faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students—while developing a personal research trajectory in experimental magnetic and superconducting quantum materials with a strong emphasis on materials for quantum information science under the SQMS center. Beyond technical skills, the role emphasizes a deep understanding of classical and modern condensed matter physics, collaborative impact, and progressive independence, helping to set research directions, participate in group proposals, and identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with Ames National Laboratory’s mission.

Research Focus and Techniques

The scientist will investigate the fundamental physics of magnetic and superconducting quantum materials, with particular attention to mechanisms of quantum decoherence in superconducting qubits and strategies to mitigate them. To achieve these objectives, advanced characterization and sensing tools—such as NV‑center diamond magnetometry, frequency‑domain susceptometry (e.g., tunnel‑diode, microwave cavity perturbation and coplanar waveguide resonators), as well as real‑space magneto‑optical Kerr and Faraday imaging will be used. Interest and ability to develop novel approaches or expand existing techniques is a strong plus. Familiarity with commercial platforms (e.g., Quantum Design PPMS/MPMS) is beneficial, with an expectation to adapt experimental methods as project evolves.

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

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

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: December 22, 2025

Posting Close Date:January 19, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R18364

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.