Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Ames National Laboratory

Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

The Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Ames National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory affiliated with Iowa State University, 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.

• Conduct the synthesis of 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; and perform high‑temperature reactions by arc melting, induction, tube, or box‑furnance heating, vacuum or inert‑atmosphere processing, and related methods.
• Recover reaction products, determine phase composition and crystal structure by powder X‑ray diffraction, and measure the basic magnetic properties of selected samples.
• Design and refine synthesis protocols in consultation with the principal investigator, varying temperature, time, composition, atmosphere, additives, crucible or container materials, and other relevant parameters.
• Plan and conduct experiments; maintain complete and accurate laboratory records; critically evaluate results; and prepare material for invention disclosures, project meetings, progress reports, and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Work independently and collaboratively with colleagues at national laboratories, universities, and industry, managing multiple tasks, meeting project milestones, and contributing to quarterly progress reports.

• Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field completed before the employment start date.

• 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: 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; and meet project milestones.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Department Unit/Website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov