Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Critical Materials Innovation Hub (CMI), with Iowa State University at the Ames National Laboratory, is seeking a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental research in rare earth metallization, critical materials synthesis, materials processing, characterization, extraction, and recycling. The successful candidate will work with Principal Investigators, CMI scientists, and project collaborators on projects related to critical materials synthesis and processing. The primary focus will be hands-on experimental development of metallothermic routes for producing rare earth metals from rare earth compounds. This work builds on the “Ames Process” for rare earth metallization and aims to develop lower-temperature metallothermic approaches to improve yield, purity, metal–slag separation, scalability, and overall process efficiency. The researcher will prepare and process rare-earth-containing reaction mixtures, handle air- and moisture-sensitive materials, perform high-temperature reactions, retrieve and separate products, analyze yields and impurities, and develop improved processing parameters. The candidate will also contribute to other CMI and Ames National Laboratory projects related to critical materials, which may include synthesis and processing of rare-earth-containing compounds, rare earth and transition-metal intermetallics, magnetic materials, magnet processing, magnet discovery, recycling of critical materials, mechanochemical synthesis, and preparation of samples for process optimization, automation, and data-driven materials discovery. This position is intended for a researcher with strong hands-on expertise in materials synthesis, processing, and characterization. The work will involve developing, planning, and performing experiments; maintaining detailed laboratory records; critically analyzing experimental results; optimizing processes; and generating reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication. The position requires the ability to work both independently and in a team setting with a diverse group of researchers, including collaborators at national laboratories, universities, and industry. The ability to handle multiple tasks, meet milestones, communicate results effectively, and contribute to quarterly progress reports is essential.

Requirements

• Ph.D. must be completed prior to start date.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience with high-temperature solid-state synthesis, metallothermic reactions, sealed-tube or sealed-container reactions, induction heating, vacuum, inert or reactive atmosphere processing in tube furnace, or related thermal processing methods.
• Strong understanding of phase diagrams, crystallography, CALPHAD, and chemistry of 4f elements.
• Experience with acquiring and analyzing XRD data, including phase identification, qualitative and quantitative phase analysis by Rietveld refinement.
• Ability to interpret SEM/EDS, DSC/TGA, ICP-OES or ICP-MS, LECO O/H/N, XRF, magnetic property measurements, NMR, or related characterization data.
• Experience with mechanochemistry, ball milling, powder processing, or mechanically assisted synthesis is desirable.
• Experience with wet-chemistry or hydrometallurgical methods, extraction, or recycling of rare earths and other critical elements is also desirable.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions.
• Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining accurate laboratory records and meeting project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research in rare earth metallization, critical materials synthesis, materials processing, characterization, extraction, and recycling.
• Develop and perform hands-on experimental development of metallothermic routes for producing rare earth metals from rare earth compounds.
• Prepare and process rare-earth-containing reaction mixtures, including mixing and pre-processing reactants, handling air- and moisture-sensitive materials, loading and sealing reactants, and performing high-temperature reactions.
• Retrieve and separate products after reaction, including rare earth metal or alloy phases and salt/slag byproducts.
• Evaluate metal–slag separation, analyze yields and impurities, and develop improved processing parameters.
• Contribute to ongoing and emerging CMI and Ames National Laboratory projects related to critical materials.
• Develop, plan, and perform experiments.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records.
• Critically analyze experimental results.
• Optimize processes to improve yield, purity, reaction completion, phase selectivity, and reproducibility.
• Generate reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication.
• Work both independently and in a team setting with a diverse group of researchers.
• Handle multiple tasks, meet milestones, and communicate results effectively.
• Contribute to quarterly progress reports.

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.
• WorkFlex options for some positions (flexibility on when, where, and how work is done).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree