Ames National Laboratory Scientist I

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ames Laboratory Scientist I will perform experimental research to develop new chemistries and methods for effective and scalable synthesis of micron- and submicron-scale magnetic powders with the focus on mechanochemical, reduction-diffusion, and gas-solid reactions. The individual in this position will be responsible for generating research ideas, planning and performing relevant experiments to establish and correlate atomic-, nano- and microscopic-scale structures with intrinsic magnetic properties of the powders, based on which the incumbent will develop and experimentally validate approaches to maximize intrinsic coercivity, saturation magnetization and remanence, and maximum energy product of the powders. The experimental planning and analyses of the results will be conducted in collaboration with Principle Investigators with minimal supervision. In collaboration with other researchers across the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, Ames Laboratory Scientist I will develop methods for low/moderate-temperature consolidation of the powders into nearly fully dense, anisotropic permanent magnets. Examples of materials in focus include iron-nitride, samarium-iron-nitride-based, and neodymium-iron-boron-based chemistries. The experimental procedures include mechanical alloying and mechanochemical processing, high-temperature annealing and sintering, gas-solid reactions in controlled atmosphere with reactive gasses like NH3, H2, N2, and inert Ar. Analytical techniques include the ability to operate and interpret the results from X-ray diffractometer, SQUID and vibrating sample magnetometers, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeters, thermogravimetric analysis instruments.

Requirements

PhD or equivalent combination of education and experience
Ability to operate and interpret the results from X-ray diffractometer, SQUID and vibrating sample magnetometers, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeters, thermogravimetric analysis instruments.

Nice To Haves

Postdoctoral experience in developing novel approaches to synthesis of magnetic materials in powder forms.
Experience in synthesis and characterization of rare earth permanent magnet powders.
Experience in consolidation of magnetic powders and permanent magnet fabrication.
Demonstrated expertise in mechanochemical, reduction-diffusion, and gas-solid reaction syntheses of permanent magnet powders.
Experience in X-ray powder diffraction, measurements of magnetic properties, and other common materials characterization techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy.
Experience in handling toxic and hazardous chemicals and gasses (like NH3 and H2), including flammable and pyrophoric substances.
Experience in creation of presentations, drafting of progress reports, and presentation of results at scientific meetings.
Experience in drafting research proposals for new funding opportunities.
Demonstrated publication record, including in high-impact journals and patents.
Prior experience working closely with and mentoring research staff.

Responsibilities

Perform experimental research to develop new chemistries and methods for effective and scalable synthesis of micron- and submicron-scale magnetic powders.
Generate research ideas, plan and perform relevant experiments to establish and correlate atomic-, nano- and microscopic-scale structures with intrinsic magnetic properties of the powders.
Develop and experimentally validate approaches to maximize intrinsic coercivity, saturation magnetization and remanence, and maximum energy product of the powders.
Develop methods for low/moderate-temperature consolidation of the powders into nearly fully dense, anisotropic permanent magnets.
Operate and interpret results from X-ray diffractometer, SQUID and vibrating sample magnetometers, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeters, thermogravimetric analysis instruments.