Job Description

Position Title:

Postdoc Research Associate

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

of Duties and Responsibilities:

This postdoctoral position focuses on computational materials science, applying electronic-structure methods to study and optimize catalytic materials. The role involves modeling disordered and doped systems and collaborating closely with experimental teams to compare results and advance catalyst design.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Materials Science or a closely related technical field, and demonstrated experience in theoretical approaches and electronic-structure calculations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing bulk and surface electronic-structure calculations and related methods
• Experience applying computational methods to alloys and line compounds to assess and optimize catalytic behavior
• Experience working with disordered and defected high-entropy alloys and doped line compounds, particularly in acidic environments
• Demonstrated ability to analyze computational results and directly compare findings with synthesis and catalysis experiments.

Department/Program & College Description:
Materials matter at Iowa State. Materials engineers create new materials and improve existing materials. Everything is limited by the materials that are used to produce it. Materials engineers understand the relationship between the properties of a material and its internal structure—from the macro level down to the atomic level. The better the materials, the better the end result—it’s as simple as that.

Department Unit/Website:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering – College of Engineering, Iowa State University

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

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:

June 15, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Post Docs

Original Posting Date:

May 18, 2026

Posting Close Date:

May 25, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19223

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.