About this role
Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory
Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Division of Chemical and Biological Sciences within the Ames National Laboratory, a Department of Energy National Laboratory affiliated with Iowa State University, is searching for a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on heterogeneous catalysis.
This Postdoctoral Research Associate will investigate heterogeneous catalysts for thermal transformation of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and oxygenates. The research will emphasize synthesizing and characterizing various porous materials. The project further emphasizes mechanistic and kinetic studies for processes occurring at the reactive solid-liquid interface. The candidate must have extensive experience in synthesizing, evaluating the performance of, and characterizing catalytic materials, including textural analysis, spectroscopic studies, and electron microscopy.
The successful candidate must be able to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences. They will collaborate closely with the catalysis team and other research groups both within and outside Ames Laboratory. Additional responsibilities include assisting with routine laboratory maintenance and maintaining a safe research environment by adhering to established safety practices. The candidate will also be expected to disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations at national or international conferences.
This Postdoctoral Research Associate is a one-year appointment with opportunity for renewal.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science engineering must be completed prior to start date. Demonstrated extensive experience synthesizing, modifying, and functionalizing porous materials (especially zeolites, oxide, and carbon-based materials) and single-site catalysts. Demonstrated extensive experience characterizing catalytic materials, including textural characterization, powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and other spectroscopic analyses. Demonstrated experience executing catalytic reactions with solid catalysts in batch and/or flow reactors and analyzing reaction products using tools such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, solution NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and UV/vis spectroscopy.
Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated experience in method development for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Experiences in day-to-day instrument maintenance and developing safety protocols. Experience disseminating research results including public presentations and written manuscripts. Experience working with and communicating with multidisciplinary teams, as well as mentoring other laboratory members. Publication record and a curriculum vitae that demonstrates all of the above preferred qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
Proposed Start Date: December 1, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
Time Type: Full time
Pay Grade: Post Docs
Original Posting Date: September 18, 2026
Posting Close Date: October 1, 2026
Job Requisition Number: R19956
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.
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.