Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory
Post Doc/Trainee
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? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider a career with Ames National Laboratory!
Ames National 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.
The successful candidate will work with Principal Investigators and Scientists researching terahertz and infrared near-field microscopy instrumentation and applications in biological and quantum materials. The work will include developing, planning and performing experiments, critically analyzing results, performing optimization to improve outcomes, and generating reports, presentations and manuscripts for publication. The research will focus mainly on developing advanced ultrafast nanoscopy instrumentation and applying it to biological, quantum and functional materials.
The position requires ability to work with a team consisting of staff scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and students, and conduct both collaborative and independent research. Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet set milestones, and draft quarterly progress reports is essential. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with positive attitude are also helpful to provide a professional work environment.
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. must be completed prior to start date.
Ph.D. degree in Condensed Matter Physics.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with ultrafast near-field microscopy in custom-designed environments, including cryogenic temperatures, high magnetic fields, and femtosecond temporal resolution .
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with ultrafast and terahertz spectroscopy and microscopy.
Must have experience building custom broadband scanning near-field optical spectroscopy systems spanning THz to infrared frequencies under extreme experimental conditions.
Department Unit/Website:
www.ameslab.gov
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
LsListit 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:
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.
July 20, 2026
12 Month Work Period
Full time
Post Docs
June 16, 2026
June 22, 2026
R19450
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.
