Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Division of Materials Science and Engineering seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental research on superconducting and magnetic quantum materials. The research will emphasize thin and ultrathin films, interfaces, and heterostructures, with particular interest in the superconducting order parameter, thermal and induced quasiparticles, two-level systems, the effects of controlled disorder and emergent phenomena in low-dimensional systems. The materials studied will include superconductors relevant to quantum information science as well as unconventional and candidate topological superconductors and selected magnetic quantum materials.

The central research goal is to develop and employ advanced magneto-sensing approaches to identify the mechanisms that cause dissipation and decoherence in superconducting quantum circuits, particularly transmon qubits.

The postdoctoral researcher will learn, operate, improve, and help develop custom experimental techniques optimized for small-volume and thin-film samples. This will involve tunnel-diode resonators, real-space magneto-optical imaging, and quantum magneto-sensing using NV centers in diamond. It will also include more conventional thermodynamic and transport measurements.

The work will include planning and conducting experiments, critically analyzing experimental results and performing numerical calculations or simulations where appropriate. The researcher must be able to work both independently and collaboratively and to communicate effectively across condensed-matter physics, materials science, and quantum information science.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in experimental condensed-matter physics, materials physics, applied physics, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong background in experimental superconductivity, magnetism, and quantum materials, effects of disorder and impurities, and low-dimensional phenomena.

Demonstrated hands-on experience with low-temperature experimental techniques, cryogenic systems, vacuum equipment, magnetic fields, low-noise electronics, and precision measurements. Experience with dilution refrigerators and millikelvin measurements is strongly preferred.

Experience developing, modifying, or constructing experimental apparatus. Particularly relevant experience includes AC susceptibility, radio- and microwave measurements, magnetic penetration depth, optical magnetometry and magneto-optical imaging. Experience with thin and ultrathin films, interfaces, and heterostructures is highly desirable.

Familiarity with conventional materials-characterization techniques and an understanding of the physical information they provide, including transport, PPMS and MPMS measurements, X-ray or neutron scattering, and electron microscopy. Direct experimental expertise in these techniques is not expected.

Experience with scientific programming, quantitative data analysis, numerical calculations and simulations using tools such as LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, Origin, COMSOL Multiphysics, or comparable scientific software.

Interest in connecting fundamental materials physics with superconducting quantum information science, in particular the performance of superconducting qubits and microscopic mechanisms of decoherence such as two-level systems, magnetic defects, surfaces, and interfaces. Prior experience working directly with qubits is advantageous but is not required.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions; collaborate with others; maintain accurate laboratory records; and meet project milestones.

Department/Program & College Description:

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 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.

Department Unit/Website (if applicable):
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

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 [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:

November 2, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Post Docs

Original Posting Date:

August 21, 2026

Posting Close Date:

September 3, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19826

Employees with appointment at Ames National Laboratory are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation during the recruitment phase for review by Ames National Laboratory.

Employment is contingent upon satisfying applicable requirements of Ames National Laboratory’s federal sponsor, the United States Department of Energy, and ISU requirements. These may include background checks and eligibility determinations related to access of facilities, information, or projects. This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain government access authorization for the duration of the appointment. 

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 [email protected].

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.