Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Would you like to work for a National Laboratory that conducts world-renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a diverse, 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, civility, and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory's collective success.

The Critical Materials Innovation Hub (CMI) with Iowa State University at the Ames National Laboratory is searching for a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate.

The successful candidate will work with Principal Investigators and CMI Scientists on developing advanced low-temperature methods and technologies for extraction of lithium from hard-rock mineral spodumene. Additionally, they will contribute to the development of innovative methods for synthesizing or substituting critical materials within CMI Hub. The work will include developing, planning and performing experiments, critically analyzing results and performing process optimization to improve yields of desired products, and generating reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication. The position requires ability to work in team setting with diverse group of researchers. The research will cover both fundamental and applied materials research. Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet set milestones, and draft quarterly progress reports is essential.

Areas of work include:

• Solid-state chemistry including Mechanochemistry (ball milling) mostly at room temperature (also cryo and elevated temperatures) and high-temperature synthesis (reactive/inert atmospheres).
• Wet-chemistry techniques required for extraction, which includes dissolution in acids/bases, precipitation, filtration, evaporation, purification to retain the highest yields.
• Hydrometallurgical experience, hydrothermal reactions.
• Chemical and structural characterization of reactants, intermediates, and reaction products by means of XRD analysis. Familiarity with DSC/TGA, SEM/TEM, ICP, XRD, IR, VSM.

The ideal candidate will be able to communicate effectively to a wide variety of audiences.

Proposed Start Date:
April 1, 2024

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
March 31, 2025

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) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) List of Professional References
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our 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:
February 7, 2024

Posting Close Date:
March 10, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R13940