Deputy Chief Operations Officer - Ames National Laboratory
Professional & Scientific
Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience
of Duties and Responsibilities:
Ames National Laboratory is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as the Deputy Chief Operations Officer (DCOO). The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. The candidate will be responsible for motivating and managing high-performing teams to support the Laboratory’s scientific mission and will responsibly steward Lab resources to achieve institutional goals and objectives.
The DCOO supports the Chief Operations officer in overseeing and optimizing the Laboratory’s day-to-day operations. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across multiple functional areas, ensures operational excellence, and drives the implementation of organizational priorities. The DCOO acts on behalf of the CO as needed and plays a key role in translating strategy into effective execution. This role is pivotal in implementing process improvements, communicating changes to stakeholders, and project execution. The DCOO is essential in ensuring administration and compliance of the contract between the Department of Energy and Iowa State University of Science and Technology for the operations of Ames National Laboratory.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience managing a highly-integrated organization, providing effective oversight and guidance of operational, people management, and administrative matters.
Experience working with the Department of Energy, including the Department of Energy’s national laboratories, and their mission and operations.
Experience administering a major federal government management and operations contract, understanding and managing a scientific facility, overseeing compliance management, general operational processes, and federal reporting.
Experience working with the administration of a major research University.
An advanced degree in business administration, engineering, physical sciences, or related fields that will inform the operations of the Laboratory.
Department/Program & College Description:
Ames National Laboratory is a U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory managed by Iowa State University (ISU) and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). Roughly 95% of the Laboratory’s funding comes from federal and state support, creating a special relationship of stewardship and trust with the public. Therefore, the DCOO is expected to exercise, model, and ensure the highest standards of business and operations accountability and transparency, demonstrating our responsibility to the DOE mission and to citizens who support our research.
Department Unit/Website:
www.ameslab.gov
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
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.
Regular
12 Month Work Period
Full time
PS813
May 29, 2026
June 30, 2026
R19324
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.
