Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Would you like to work for a National Laboratory that conducts world-renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a diverse, 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 Laboratory!

Ames 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, civility, and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory's collective success. We offer an exceptional benefits package including:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance, Wellbeing program, Employee Assistance Program;
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit or defined contribution plans;
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans;
• Onsite childcare;
• Life insurance and long-term disability;
• Flexible Spending Accounts.

The Division of Chemistry and Biological Sciences at the Ames National Laboratory is searching for a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to perform research in surface organometallic chemistry and catalysis.

The postdoctoral scientist will develop new catalytic polymer deconstruction reactions for plastic upcycling into value-added products, leveraging concepts from our recent work on processive catalysts and C–C bond functionalization as part of a DOE-funded Energy Frontier Research Center. The project involves the synthesis of early metal organometallic compounds, their reaction with solid oxide supports, and study catalytic conversions of polyolefins. This organometallic chemistry research will involve both soluble and solid-supported species, and the work will involve techniques of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The project also involves close collaboration with research groups in the Ames Laboratory that specialize in materials chemistry and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Effective formal and informal communication of results and analysis, as in any research project, will involve scientific writing and presentations within an informed group of collaborators and to the broader scientific community.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. must be completed prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Experience synthesizing air-sensitive organometallic compounds using Schlenk and/or glovebox techniques, and characterizing them in solution and in the solid-state

Experience studying catalytic mechanisms

Experience with surface organometallic chemistry is valued

Department Unit/Website:

www.ameslab.gov

Proposed Start Date:
March 1, 2023

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
February 29, 2024

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

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.

Original Posting Date:
December 29, 2022

Posting Close Date:
January 29, 2023

Job Requisition Number:
R10636