Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

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 (https://www.ameslab.gov/careers-and-internships/life-ames) ? 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.

Ames National Laboratory is seeking an innovative and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our Machine Learning Accelerated Materials Discovery Center. Our center leverages the latest advancements in artificial intelligence/ machine learning (AI/ML) and high-performance computing to accelerate the discovery, design and synthesis of advanced functional materials. This position will join research efforts in developing novel computational approaches, including AI/ML methods, interatomic potentials, molecular dynamics simulations, and exascale-ready codes for materials discovery, design, and synthesis. Expertise in ab initio methods and advanced techniques in quantum many-body theory will also support electronic and magnetic calculation and analysis within the center.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in AI/ML and high-performance computing.

• Strong proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, or Fortran).

• Advanced knowledge and experience of ab initio methods for total energy, electronic and magnetic structure calculations

• Advanced knowledge and experience in molecular dynamics simulations and thermodynamics calculations

• Advanced knowledge and experience in computational methods and algorithms for crystal structure predictions.

Department Unit/Website:

www.ameslab.gov

Proposed Start Date:June 2, 2025

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:June 1, 2026

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 Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) List of Professional ReferencesIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?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: March 19, 2025

Posting Close Date:April 20, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R16624

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .

If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.