Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National LaboratoryAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:The Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Ames National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory affiliated with Iowa State University, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental research on the synthesis and characterization of novel inorganic and intermetallic magnetic materials, including compounds that may contain rare-earth elements.The successful candidate will collaborate with principal investigators, staff, students, and external partners on a project focused on the synthesis and characterization of magnetic materials. The primary responsibility will be hands-on experimental synthesis of novel compounds to identify new permanent-magnet compositions. As part of a larger permanent-magnet discovery effort, the researcher will work closely with theorists and experimentalists from diverse disciplines. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment are important for success in this role.The postdoctoral researcher will synthesize inorganic compounds and alloys, including materials that may contain rare-earth elements, using a range of experimental methods. Responsibilities include preparing and mixing reactants; handling air- and moisture-sensitive materials; loading and sealing reactants in suitable containers or crucibles; and conducting high-temperature reactions by arc melting, induction-, tube-, or box-furnace heating, vacuum or inert-atmosphere processing, and related methods. The researcher will recover reaction products, determine phase composition and crystal structure by powder X-ray diffraction, and measure the basic magnetic properties of selected samples. In consultation with the principal investigator, the researcher will design and refine synthesis protocols by varying temperature, time, composition, atmosphere, additives, crucible or container materials, and other relevant parameters. The researcher may also be assigned to contribute to other Ames National Laboratory projects involving magnetic materials.The work will include planning and conducting experiments; maintaining complete and accurate laboratory records; critically evaluating results; and preparing material for invention disclosures, project meetings, progress reports, and peer-reviewed publications. The researcher must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues at national laboratories, universities, and industry. The position requires effective management of multiple tasks, timely completion of project milestones, clear communication of results, and contributions to quarterly progress reports.Required Minimum Qualifications:Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field must be completed before the employment start date.Pref...