Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Post Doc/Trainee

The Division of Chemical and Biological Sciences within the Ames National Laboratory, a Department of Energy National Laboratory affiliated with Iowa State University, is searching for a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on heterogeneous catalysis. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will investigate heterogeneous catalysts for thermal transformation of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and oxygenates. The research will emphasize synthesizing and characterizing various porous materials.

The project further emphasizes mechanistic and kinetic studies for processes occurring at the reactive solid-liquid interface. The candidate must have extensive experience in synthesizing, evaluating the performance of, and characterizing catalytic materials, including textural analysis, spectroscopic studies, and electron microscopy. The successful candidate must be able to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences. They will collaborate closely with the catalysis team and other research groups both within and outside Ames Laboratory.

Additional responsibilities include assisting with routine laboratory maintenance and maintaining a safe research environment by adhering to established safety practices. The candidate will also be expected to disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations at national or international conferences. This Postdoctoral Research Associate is a one-year appointment with opportunity for renewal.

Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science engineering must be completed prior to start date.

Demonstrated extensive experience synthesizing, modifying, and functionalizing porous materials (especially zeolites, oxide, and carbon-based materials) and single-site catalysts.

Demonstrated extensive experience characterizing catalytic materials, including textural characterization, powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and other spectroscopic analyses.

Demonstrated experience executing catalytic reactions with solid catalysts in batch and/or flow reactors and analyzing reaction products using tools such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, solution NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and UV/vis spectroscopy.

Demonstrated experience in method development for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

Experiences in day-to-day instrument maintenance and developing safety protocols.

Experience disseminating research results including public presentations and written manuscripts.

Experience working with and communicating with multidisciplinary teams, as well as mentoring other laboratory members.

Publication record and a curriculum vitae that demonstrates all of the above preferred qualifications.

Would you like to work for a National Laboratory that conducts world-renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a beautiful university campus? Can you imagine yourself in a mid-sized location that regularly ranks as one of the U.S. Best Places to Live? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider a career with Ames National Laboratory! Ames Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy federally contracted National Laboratory located in Ames, Iowa, on the campus of Iowa State University.

We are dedicated to translating foundational science through applied research to create technological innovations. We create materials, inspire minds to solve problems, and address some of the most challenging issues facing our world today. We promote and believe in a culture of civility and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory's collective success. Employees with appointment at Ames National Laboratory are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A.

You will be asked to disclose any such participation during the recruitment phase for review by Ames National Laboratory. Employment is contingent upon satisfying applicable requirements of Ames National Laboratory’s federal sponsor, the United States Department of Energy, and ISU requirements. These may include background checks and eligibility determinations related to access of facilities,…