Postdoctoral Research Associate (4-month TERM) - Ames National Laboratory

Position Title

Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Ames National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct high magnetic field characterization, heat capacity, and magnetotransport measurements of kagome metals. The candidate must have experience in preparing single-crystal samples and conducting measurements in high-field environments, including pulsed fields.

This will be a 4-month term position.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in experimental condensed-matter physics, applied physics, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated hands-on experience with low-temperature experimental techniques, cryogenic systems, focused ion-beam sample preparation, high magnetic fields and pulsed fields. Experience conducting experiments at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is highly valued. Background in magnetism, topological materials, and familiarity with conventional characterization (transport, PPMS/MPMS).

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions; collaborate with others; maintain accurate laboratory records; and meet project milestones.

Department/Program & College Description

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.

Employment is with Iowa State University with appointment at Ames National Laboratory. Your appointment is contingent, at the time of hire and throughout your employment, on satisfying applicable requirements of Ames National Laboratory's f ederal sponsor, the United States Department of Energy, and ISU requirements.

These may include background checks, required disclosures of certain activities or affiliations, and eligibility determinations related to access of facilities, information, or projects. All positions require obtaining and maintaining federal government-issued access authorizations or meeting additional compliance requirements.

If you do not meet or maintain applicable requirements or authorizations, or are deemed ineligible to participate in Laboratory activities, ISU may withdraw this offer or take appropriate employment action, up to and including termination.

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, or call or Toll Free:.

• Proposed Start Date: January 1, 2027
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade

• Post Docs
• Original Posting Date: November 11, 2026
• Posting Close Date: November 17, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20238

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, information, or projects. This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain government access authorization for the duration of the appointment.

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.