Ames National Laboratory Research Technologist I or II
About The Position
The Division of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE) at Ames National Laboratory is searching for a qualified laboratory research technologist. The successful candidate will work with the DMSE leadership, Materials Preparation Center Manager, Group Leaders, researchers, technicians, and students in both DMSE and Division of Critical Materials (DCM) to safely perform processing, characterization, and testing of materials of interest for applied research projects. The work will include operating lab-scale (0.1-1 kg) and assist in using mid-scale equipment (e.g., 1-10 kg) in the Materials Preparation Center, Advanced Magnet Facility (AMF) and Critical Materials Refinery at Ames Lab for the synthesis of materials using plasma, electron-beam, and induction melting and powder metallurgy including gas atomization, jet milling, cold isostatic pressing, sintering, rolling, extrusion, and forging. The candidate will participate in planning and performing experiments and performing process optimization to improve yields and quality of desired products. The candidate will assist and/or operate and maintain large processing equipment and serve as expert user for training other users. Additional efforts will include research documentation for samples and equipment. The position requires the ability to work in a team setting with diverse groups of researchers and provide technical support. Demonstrated the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet set milestones is essential. Areas of expertise and duties include: Experience in processing metals and alloys using melt processing and/or powder metallurgy. Assist in operation of advanced equipment at the AMF and Critical Materials Refinery. Includes arc melting, plasma melting, electron-beam melting, jet milling, sintering, use of glove boxes, and powder processing and handling. Help with maintenance and installation, including safe operation of equipment Perform work for external partners through AMF and Critical Materials Refinery, and Materials Preparation Center Ensure all relevant safety policies and procedures are followed, train new users, and help maintain and update safety documentation. The ideal candidates must be able to communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders, group leaders, research staff, post docs, and graduate students as well as outside vendors and requestors.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience (for Research Technologist II)
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
- Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Nice To Haves
- Preferred degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related fields
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in a research laboratory
- Demonstrated experience in conducting safe work by following standard operating procedures and all rules and regulations.
- Experience with synthesis and processing of materials including use of lab-scale or mid- to large-scale furnaces
- Experience in powder metallurgy and safe handling of powders
- Experience in thermo-mechanical processing of metals and alloys including rolling, forging, and extrusion
- Experience with maintaining laboratory equipment and systems, in particular vacuum pumps and systems, and furnaces.
- Experience in troubleshooting and repairing small equipment including computer interfaces for process control and data acquisition.
Responsibilities
- Safely perform processing, characterization, and testing of materials of interest for applied research projects.
- Operate lab-scale (0.1-1 kg) and assist in using mid-scale equipment (e.g., 1-10 kg) in the Materials Preparation Center, Advanced Magnet Facility (AMF) and Critical Materials Refinery for the synthesis of materials.
- Participate in planning and performing experiments and performing process optimization to improve yields and quality of desired products.
- Assist and/or operate and maintain large processing equipment and serve as expert user for training other users.
- Conduct research documentation for samples and equipment.
- Work in a team setting with diverse groups of researchers and provide technical support.
- Handle multiple tasks and meet set milestones.
- Process metals and alloys using melt processing and/or powder metallurgy.
- Assist in operation of advanced equipment at the AMF and Critical Materials Refinery, including arc melting, plasma melting, electron-beam melting, jet milling, sintering, use of glove boxes, and powder processing and handling.
- Help with maintenance and installation, including safe operation of equipment.
- Perform work for external partners through AMF and Critical Materials Refinery, and Materials Preparation Center.
- Ensure all relevant safety policies and procedures are followed, train new users, and help maintain and update safety documentation.
- Communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders, group leaders, research staff, post docs, and graduate students as well as outside vendors and requestors.
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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
