Ames National Laboratory Scientist I

Position Title:

Ames National Laboratory Scientist I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD or equivalent combination of education and experience

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Ames Laboratory Scientist I will perform experimental research to develop new chemistries and methods for effective and scalable synthesis of micron- and submicron-scale magnetic powders with the focus on mechanochemical, reduction-diffusion, and gas-solid reactions. The individual in this position will be responsible for generating research ideas, planning and performing relevant experiments to establish and correlate atomic-, nano- and microscopic-scale structures with intrinsic magnetic properties of the powders, based on which the incumbent will develop and experimentally validate approaches to maximize intrinsic coercivity, saturation magnetization and remanence, and maximum energy product of the powders. The experimental planning and analyses of the results will be conducted in collaboration with Principle Investigators with minimal supervision. In collaboration with other researchers across the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, Ames Laboratory Scientist I will develop methods for low/moderate-temperature consolidation of the powders into nearly fully dense, anisotropic permanent magnets. Examples of materials in focus include iron-nitride, samarium-iron-nitride-based, and neodymium-iron-boron-based chemistries. The experimental procedures include mechanical alloying and mechanochemical processing, high-temperature annealing and sintering, gas-solid reactions in controlled atmosphere with reactive gasses like NH3, H2, N2, and inert Ar. Analytical techniques include the ability to operate and interpret the results from X-ray diffractometer, SQUID and vibrating sample magnetometers, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeters, thermogravimetric analysis instruments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral experience in developing novel approaches to synthesis of magnetic materials in powder forms.
• Experience in synthesis and characterization of rare earth permanent magnet powders.
• Experience in consolidation of magnetic powders and permanent magnet fabrication.
• Demonstrated expertise in mechanochemical, reduction-diffusion, and gas-solid reaction syntheses of permanent magnet powders.
• Experience in X-ray powder diffraction, measurements of magnetic properties, and other common materials characterization techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy.
• Experience in handling toxic and hazardous chemicals and gasses (like NH3 and H2), including flammable and pyrophoric substances.
• Experience in creation of presentations, drafting of progress reports, and presentation of results at scientific meetings.
• Experience in drafting research proposals for new funding opportunities.
• Demonstrated publication record, including in high-impact journals and patents.
• Prior experience working closely with and mentoring research staff.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Critical Materials Innovation Hub at Ames National Laboratory is seeking an Ames Laboratory Scientist I to perform research related to synthesis and characterization of rare-earth-element and critical-element-free alloy powders and their consolidation into high energy density permanent magnets. This position will be filled at the Ames Laboratory Scientist I level. Ames National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funded national laboratory operated through contractual agreement with Iowa State University.

Department Unit/Website (if applicable):
www.ameslab.gov 

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:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

List of Professional References

Why Choose Iowa State University?
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.

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.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS810

Original Posting Date:

June 25, 2026

Posting Close Date:

July 5, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19509

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

 

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.