Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

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Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory## Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee##

Job Description:

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** Summary of

Duties and Responsibilities:

** As a U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory located on the campus of Iowa State University, we offer an innovative working environment that excels at cutting-edge chemistry, physics, and materials research. Ames Laboratory is a world leader in catalysis, polymer upcycling, separations, computational chemistry, rare earths, quantum materials, synthesis, and additive manufacturing. Ames Laboratory is the leader of the Critical Materials Institute, a DOE-supported Energy Innovation Hub.

We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate to work on the synthesis and characterization of new surface organometallic catalysts under the supervision of Damien Culver. We are searching for an applicant with experience in the synthesis and characterization of air – sensitive organometallic complexes and/or materials, and utilization of these complexes/materials for catalytic transformations. The successful candidate is projected to work on two project areas.

The first area is the development of well-defined heterogeneous and homogeneous organometallic pincer catalysts for the chemo selective cleavage of C-O bonds. The second area is the formulation of well-defined neutral ligands bound to the surface of oxides for the support of neutral, low valent late transition metal catalysts for hydrogenolysis, dehydrogenation, and hydrogenation reactions. The successful candidate will draft research manuscripts related to the research projects.

Presentation of work at national or international research conferences and focused workshops is anticipated.##
** Required

Minimum Qualifications:

** The candidate must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field. Ph.D. must be completed prior to start date.##
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* Preferred Qualifications:

*** Demonstrated proficiency and understanding of experimental organometallic synthesis, including air – free techniques.
* Experience utilizing common molecular analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, to characterize new small molecules and precursors.
* Experience designing, performing, and analyzing catalytic reactions.
* Experience in surface organometallic chemistry
* Experience in oxide synthesis and characterization (such as gas absorption and powder x-ray diffraction).
* Experience  in solid – state nuclear magnetic spectroscopy
* Evidence of good written and oral communication skills.
* Experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
* Experience finding relevant publications using Scifinder or other search engines.
* Experience collaborating with other scientists with similar or very different expertise.##
** Department Unit/Website:**## Proposed

Start Date:

May 1, 2026## Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

April 30, 2027## Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period## Time Type:

Full time## Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter3) List of professional references4) One‑page overview of your major research contributions (excluding references). Be sure to highlight
* your specific contributions
* to each project. Use a font size no smaller than 10 pt and maintain 1‑inch margins.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment or call  or Toll Free:
Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:  
• 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## Original Posting Date:

February 13, 2026## Posting Close Date:

March 1, 2026## Job

Requisition Number:

R18640

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