Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Ames National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental research on the synthesis and characterization of novel inorganic and intermetallic magnetic materials, including compounds that may contain rare-earth elements. The successful candidate will collaborate with principal investigators, staff, students, and external partners on a project focused on the synthesis and characterization of magnetic materials. The primary responsibility will be hands-on experimental synthesis of novel compounds to identify new permanent-magnet compositions. As part of a larger permanent-magnet discovery effort, the researcher will work closely with theorists and experimentalists from diverse disciplines. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment are important for success in this role.

The postdoctoral researcher will synthesize inorganic compounds and alloys, including materials that may contain rare-earth elements, using a range of experimental methods. Responsibilities include preparing and mixing reactants; handling air- and moisture-sensitive materials; loading and sealing reactants in suitable containers or crucibles; and conducting high-temperature reactions by arc melting, induction-, tube-, or box-furnace heating, vacuum or inert-atmosphere processing, and related methods. The researcher will recover reaction products, determine phase composition and crystal structure by powder X-ray diffraction, and measure the basic magnetic properties of selected samples. In consultation with the principal investigator, the researcher will design and refine synthesis protocols by varying temperature, time, composition, atmosphere, additives, crucible or container materials, and other relevant parameters. The researcher may also be assigned to contribute to other Ames National Laboratory projects involving magnetic materials.

The work will include planning and conducting experiments; maintaining complete and accurate laboratory records; critically evaluating results; and preparing material for invention disclosures, project meetings, progress reports, and peer-reviewed publications. The researcher must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues at national laboratories, universities, and industry. The position requires effective management of multiple tasks, timely completion of project milestones, clear communication of results, and contributions to quarterly progress reports.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field must be completed before the employment start date.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter
• List of Professional References

Nice To Haves

• Strong knowledge of phase diagrams, crystallography, and magnetism.
• Demonstrated experience with high-temperature synthesis of intermetallic compounds using one or more of the following methods: sealed-tube or sealed-container reactions, arc melting, vacuum or inert-atmosphere processing, tube-furnace processing, or related thermal-processing techniques.
• Experience acquiring and analyzing powder X-ray diffraction data, including phase identification and qualitative and quantitative phase analysis using Rietveld refinement.
• Experience acquiring and interpreting data from one or more of the following techniques is also preferred: SEM/EDS, DSC/TGA, XRF, or magnetic property measurements.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions.
• Collaborate with others.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Meet project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on experimental synthesis of novel compounds to identify new permanent-magnet compositions.
• Synthesize inorganic compounds and alloys, including materials that may contain rare-earth elements, using a range of experimental methods.
• Prepare and mix reactants.
• Handle air- and moisture-sensitive materials.
• Load and seal reactants in suitable containers or crucibles.
• Conduct high-temperature reactions by arc melting, induction-, tube-, or box-furnace heating, vacuum or inert-atmosphere processing, and related methods.
• Recover reaction products.
• Determine phase composition and crystal structure by powder X-ray diffraction.
• Measure the basic magnetic properties of selected samples.
• Design and refine synthesis protocols by varying temperature, time, composition, atmosphere, additives, crucible or container materials, and other relevant parameters.
• Contribute to other Ames National Laboratory projects involving magnetic materials.
• Plan and conduct experiments.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory records.
• Critically evaluate results.
• Prepare material for invention disclosures, project meetings, progress reports, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues at national laboratories, universities, and industry.
• Manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Complete project milestones in a timely manner.
• Communicate results clearly.
• 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

What This Job Offers

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