Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Ames National Laboratory is seeking a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research in heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable chemical manufacturing. The research will focus on the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of catalysts and on developing structure–property–performance relationships that guide catalyst discovery and optimization.

The candidate will plan and execute catalyst synthesis and reaction studies, with emphasis on high-pressure and high-temperature gas-phase or multiphasic reactions. Responsibilities will include establishing rigorous reaction protocols, evaluating catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability, and applying appropriate analytical and materials-characterization techniques.

The postdoc will work as part of a highly interdisciplinary team of catalysis scientists and materials researchers. The candidate will generate high-quality, reproducible experimental data; interpret results in the context of catalyst composition, structure, and reaction conditions; communicate findings effectively; and contribute to publications, presentations, and collaborative research activities.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. must be completed prior to the start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in heterogeneous catalysis evaluation, specifically in high-pressure and high-temperature gas-phase or multiphasic reactions.
• Experience in polymer upcycling, plastic waste conversion, or related catalytic depolymerization and valorization processes.
• Demonstrated experience operating, optimizing, or developing automated or high-throughput experimental systems (e.g., robotic solid/liquid handling, parallel reactor platforms).
• Experience with automated process control, data acquisition, and database integration software.
• Strong background in operating online analytical instrumentation (e.g., Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, GC-MS, HPLC/UPLC, UV/Vis) and utilizing workflows or scripts for automated data parsing and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in materials synthesis (including nanostructured porous materials such as zeolites, mesoporous oxides, carbons, or metal/metal alloys) and physical characterization techniques (such as XRD, BET, and chemisorption).
• Enthusiasm for highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience of materials modelers, machine learning specialists, and automation engineers.
• 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.
• 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: October 20, 2026
• Posting Close Date: October 26, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20119
• 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.