Job Information
Iowa State University Ames National Laboratory Spedding Postdoc Fellowship in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Ames National Laboratory Spedding Postdoc Fellowship
Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Ames National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory on the campus of Iowa State University, delivers critical materials solutions to the nation. For over 75 years, Ames National Laboratory has successfully partnered with Iowa State University of Science and Technology to lead in the discovery, synthesis, analysis, and use of new materials, novel chemistries, and transformational analytical tools.
Ames National Laboratory seeks to award one or more Spedding Fellowships. These are prestigious postdoctoral awards for up to three years, providing an exceptional opportunity for recent Ph.D. recipients of outstanding talent and ability to pursue their own research directions in support of (and in collaboration with) our scientific objectives. Exceptional candidates focused on either basic or use-inspired research are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants are expected to participate in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment that aims for excellence in science. The Spedding Postdoctoral Fellowship honors Dr. Frank Spedding, Ames Laboratory’s first Director.
The Spedding Fellowship provides a continuous path to excellence, while furthering the Ames National Laboratory and U.S. Department of Energy scientific missions. Spedding Fellows work under the guidance and mentorship of Ames Laboratory senior scientists. Candidates are encouraged, but not required, to discuss their intended research proposal with potential Ames mentors with whom they would like to work. While not guaranteed, our intent is to select individuals who will qualify for permanent scientific staff positions at Ames Laboratory upon completion of the fellowship.
Applicants with an established publication record and demonstrated research skills are being sought in a variety of disciplines, including:
condensed matter physics / materials science,
chemistry / chemical engineering,
applied mathematics / computer science research, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Key areas of research include: quantum materials and quantum information systems; chemical catalysis and separations; plastic upcycling; critical materials, magnetic materials, and rare earth science; and materials for harsh conditions. These reflect the Laboratory’s strong expertise in rare earths, materials design, synthesis, and characterization; solid state nuclear magnetic resonance; computational chemistry including exascale code development and applications; condensed matter theory; and computational materials science and materials theory. There is also special interest in the development and application of artificial intelligence/machine learning techniques to accelerate scientific discovery and the transition from fundamental science to application, including high throughput experimentation and simulation. Candidates with expertise in applied mathematics, computer science, and effective and efficient utilization of high performance computing resources are similarly encouraged.
Key Selection Criteria: Interviews and selection will be based on alignment with our strategic scientific initiatives, proposed research, record of publications/presentations, demonstrated excellence in communication, and referee recommendations.
Inquiries may be made to cro@ameslab.gov .
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in a relevant field completed no more than 3 years prior to start date
Strong research record supported by publications, scientific presentations, and related scholarship in one or more of the following areas: condensed matter physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science and materials science
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience working with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
A commitment to maintaining a safe work environment
Other evidence of relevant scientific leadership
Interest in a continuing career at a DOE National Laboratory
Department Unit/Website:
www.ameslab.gov
Proposed Start Date:April 1, 2025
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:March 31, 2026
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) A cover letter which briefly describes research experience, career objectives, and the reason this specific research would benefit by taking place at Ames National Laboratory
2) A current C.V.
3) A two-page research proposal of the work proposed to be undertaken as part of the fellowship, and its relationship to research areas at Ames National Laboratory
4) The names and contact information of three or more academic or research referees.If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?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: January 3, 2025
Posting Close Date:February 2, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R16186
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.