Ames National Laboratory Research Technologist II

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Critical Materials (DCM) at Ames National Laboratory is searching for a qualified laboratory technologist who will play a central role in enabling the efficient execution of research activities across the Division. This position will provide flexible, high-impact technical support to multiple research teams, ensuring continuity, quality, and productivity in both routine and specialized laboratory operations. The technologist will be responsible for maintaining and optimizing shared laboratory infrastructure, including preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and coordination of repairs for key equipment and instrumentation. The position will also support Group Leaders and Principal Investigators (PIs) in the installation and commissioning of new equipment, as needs arise. This role will help ensure that facilities and tools remain fully operational and aligned with safety and performance requirements. A component of the position involves user support and training. The technologist will onboard new researchers, provide hands-on training in equipment use and laboratory protocols, and promote best practices. The position will coordinate with group leaders, researchers, technicians, and students in DCM and across Ames National Laboratory to ensure safe, efficient, and reproducible experimental work. The position will also contribute directly to experimental efforts as needed, such as supporting activities in materials synthesis, sample preparation, characterization, and data collection. This support will be adaptive, responding to evolving project needs and priorities across multiple programs. In addition, the technologist will collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and other technical staff within the division and across Ames National Laboratory to coordinate shared resources, assist in cross-divisional projects, and facilitate communication. The ideal candidate is highly organized, technically proficient, and proactive, with the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, multi-project research environment. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and continuous improvement are essential.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

Degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated experience maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation in research or industrial environment.
Hands-on experience supporting installation and commissioning of scientific or process equipment
Experience developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training users on laboratory equipment and protocols
Practical experience supporting experimental workflows, including materials synthesis, sample preparation, and/or materials characterization
Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices and compliance requirements (e.g., chemical handling, high-temperature systems, inert atmospheres)
Experience working in multidisciplinary team environments and supporting multiple projects or users concurrently
Strong organizational skills with experience in data collection, documentation, and basic data analysis
Experience managing laboratory supplies, inventory systems, and coordinating with vendors or service providers
Hands-on experience in metals and alloys processing, including melt processing and/or powder metallurgy
Familiarity with operation and maintenance of equipment such as furnaces, welding systems, melting units, milling equipment, sintering systems, glove boxes (inert environments), and powder handling/processing tools

Responsibilities

Maintaining and optimizing shared laboratory infrastructure, including preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and coordination of repairs for key equipment and instrumentation.
Supporting Group Leaders and Principal Investigators (PIs) in the installation and commissioning of new equipment.
Onboarding new researchers, providing hands-on training in equipment use and laboratory protocols, and promoting best practices.
Coordinating with group leaders, researchers, technicians, and students to ensure safe, efficient, and reproducible experimental work.
Contributing directly to experimental efforts as needed, such as supporting activities in materials synthesis, sample preparation, characterization, and data collection.
Collaborating closely with scientists, engineers, and other technical staff to coordinate shared resources, assist in cross-divisional projects, and facilitate communication.