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.
The Division of Critical Materials (DCM) at Ames National Laboratory seeks a Scientist I to conduct experimental research on the production of metals and alloys from salts, oxides, and related precursor materials. The Ames National Laboratory is a Department of Energy (DOE) funded national laboratory operated through contractual agreement with Iowa State University. The DCM is the Ames National Laboratory division that oversees the U.S. DOE’s Critical Materials Innovation Hub.
The successful candidate will design, develop, and optimize routes for metals production, including but not limited to metallothermic, electrolytic, and electrochemical methods to support U.S. supply-chain resilience. Work will span bench-to-pilot experiments for the reduction and refining of rare-earth (RE) and other specialty metals and alloys from halide salts (e.g., REF₃, Na–RE–F), oxides, and mixed feedstocks. Expertise developed on RE and specialty systems will be extended to novel experimental studies on transition metals and their alloys. The role requires operation and upkeep of key laboratory systems (e.g., vacuum/inert-atmosphere furnaces, other furnaces, gloveboxes, fume hoods, molten-salt electrolysis cells) and use of standard characterization tools (e.g., ICP-OES, DSC/TGA-GCMS, XRD, SEM/EDS) with rigorous EHS and data-integrity practices.
The Scientist I will work with the supervisor, DCM researchers, Ames National Laboratory investigators, and collaborators across the CMI Hub to perform cutting-edge research. The incumbent will conceive, plan, execute, and supervise experiments; analyze and interpret results; as well as present and defend findings in internal reviews and at professional meetings. Responsibilities include authoring manuscripts, mentoring students, supporting postdoctoral researchers, and leading or contributing to competitive research proposals (as PI or co-PI) to sustain and grow the program. The position will also interface with a team of administrative staff and is expected to advance into building a broader network of industrial, national laboratory, and academic partners, in alignment with the Ames National Laboratory Strategic Goals.
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 Letter
3) List of Professional References
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 Employees 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)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.