Job Description

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Researcher – Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Researcher will study the energetics and dynamics of chemical systems in both gas and condensed phases. Research areas include reactions under astrochemical conditions, atmospheric processes, combustion systems, and physiological environments.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with quantum chemistry calculations and molecular dynamics simulations
• Demonstrated experience in scientific programming for computational chemistry applications
• Demonstrated experience with machine learning–based force field development
• Strong publication record in reputable, peer-reviewed journals

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University is a leading center for research, education, and innovation in the chemical sciences. The department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs and fosters a collaborative environment where students and faculty engage in hands-on, cutting-edge research. Faculty and students work across a broad range of disciplines—including analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry—often partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames National Laboratory. With a strong emphasis on discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success, the department prepares graduates to address complex scientific challenges in academia, industry, and beyond

Department Unit/Website:
Department of Chemistry

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:

July 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Post Docs

Original Posting Date:

June 1, 2026

Posting Close Date:

June 7, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19331

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.