Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

4d

About The Position

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 Materials Science and Engineering with Iowa State University at the Ames National Laboratory is searching for a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will perform research activities and provide advanced scientific and technical support for existing projects with a primarily focus on determination of growth parameters for the creation and discovery of novel materials. In addition, the characterization of novel materials (primarily mixed valence and/or crystal electric field split, rare-earth-based, intermetallics) as a function of temperature, applied magnetic field, and, in some cases under varying amounts of applied pressure will be part of mission. The person in this position would use the groups extensive synthetic capabilities to grow single crystalline examples of compounds and use quantitative solution growth techniques to infer the positions of liquidus surfaces in multinary, temperature-composition phase diagrams. For new materials, the salient transition temperature, fields and other energy scales will be characterized by thermodynamic and transport measurements. Tight collaborations with theory and scattering efforts are expected; experience in use of beam-time at synchrotrons or reactors is preferred . Familiarity with solution growth of single crystals, single crystal and powder x-ray diffraction, as well as measurements of magnetization, specific heat and electrical resistance as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field are expected. Experience with the analysis of crystal electric field splitting and potential Kondo energy scales is desirable. The successful candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills and will be expected to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. The initial appointment will be made for one year, with renewal appointments based on annual performance assessments and availability of funds.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics or related field must be completed prior to start date.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated research experience in solution growth of single crystals.
• Experience in using high temperature synthesis equipment.
• Experience in materials characterization, including single crystal and powder x-ray diffraction, electrical and/or thermal transport, magnetization, specific heat, thermal expansion.
• Experience in using cryogenic characterization equipment.
• Experience in data analysis, automation of measurements control and data acquisition using common software packages.
• Demonstrated experience in writing of scientific papers and communicating research results via oral presentation in English.
• Experience in use of beam-time at synchrotrons or reactors is preferred
• Familiarity with solution growth of single crystals, single crystal and powder x-ray diffraction, as well as measurements of magnetization, specific heat and electrical resistance as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field are expected.
• Experience with the analysis of crystal electric field splitting and potential Kondo energy scales is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform research activities and provide advanced scientific and technical support for existing projects with a primarily focus on determination of growth parameters for the creation and discovery of novel materials.
• Characterization of novel materials (primarily mixed valence and/or crystal electric field split, rare-earth-based, intermetallics) as a function of temperature, applied magnetic field, and, in some cases under varying amounts of applied pressure.
• Use the groups extensive synthetic capabilities to grow single crystalline examples of compounds and use quantitative solution growth techniques to infer the positions of liquidus surfaces in multinary, temperature-composition phase diagrams.
• Characterize the salient transition temperature, fields and other energy scales by thermodynamic and transport measurements.
• Collaborate with theory and scattering efforts.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

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
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree