Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

35d

About The Position

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? 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on innovative methods for the separation, purification, and recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical materials
• Prepare technical reports
• Publish and present research findings
• Provide mentorship to students

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees