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:

As a U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory located on the campus of Iowa State University, we offer an innovative working environment that excels at cutting-edge chemistry, physics, and materials research. Ames Laboratory is a world leader in catalysis, polymer upcycling, separations, computational chemistry, rare earths, quantum materials, synthesis, and additive manufacturing. Ames Laboratory is the leader of the Critical Materials Institute, a DOE-supported Energy Innovation Hub.  

We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate to work on the synthesis and characterization of new surface organometallic catalysts under the supervision of Damien Culver. We are searching for an applicant with experience in the synthesis and characterization of air – sensitive organometallic complexes and/or materials, and utilization of these complexes/materials for catalytic transformations. The successful candidate is projected to work on two project areas. The first area is the development of well-defined heterogeneous and homogeneous organometallic pincer catalysts for the chemoselective cleavage of C-O bonds. The second area is the formulation of well-defined neutral ligands bound to the surface of oxides for the support of neutral, low valent late transition metal catalysts for hydrogenolysis, dehydrogenation, and hydrogenation reactions. The successful candidate will draft research manuscripts related to the research projects. Presentation of work at national or international research conferences and focused workshops is anticipated.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

 The candidate must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field. Ph.D. must be completed prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated proficiency and understanding of experimental organometallic synthesis, including air – free techniques.
• Experience utilizing common molecular analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, to characterize new small molecules and precursors.
• Experience designing, performing, and analyzing catalytic reactions.
• Experience in surface organometallic chemistry
• Experience in oxide synthesis and characterization (such as gas absorption and powder x-ray diffraction).
• Experience  in solid – state nuclear magnetic spectroscopy
• Evidence of good written and oral communication skills.  
• Experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience finding relevant publications using Scifinder or other search engines.
• Experience collaborating with other scientists with similar or very different expertise.

Department Unit/Website:

www.ameslab.gov  

Proposed Start Date:
May 1, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
April 30, 2027

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 Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) List of professional references

4) One‑page overview of your major research contributions (excluding references). Be sure to highlight your specific contributions  to each project. Use a font size no smaller than 10 pt and maintain 1‑inch margins.
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.
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:
February 13, 2026

Posting Close Date:
March 1, 2026

Job Requisition Number:
R18640