Ames National Laboratory Scientist I

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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. 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.

Requirements

• Master’s degree and 3 years of related experience
• Deep understanding of classical and modern condensed matter physics
• Collaborative impact
• Progressive independence

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop 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.
• Help set research directions.
• Participate in group proposals.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with Ames National Laboratory’s mission.
• 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.
• Use 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees