Ames National Laboratory Division Director - Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering
Ames National Laboratory Division Director - Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering
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Job Description
Position Title:
Ames National Laboratory Division Director - Division of Materials Sciences and EngineeringJob Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. and 5 years of related experiencePreferred Qualifications:
Doctoral degree in physics materials science chemistry or related fields. Track record in basic research for condensed matter physics materials science or related fields.Demonstrated capability of nurturing a positive culture in a multi-disciplinary team including mentoring developing and evaluating scientific staff at various stages of their career.
Understanding of DOE its expectations and mechanisms for funding National Laboratories particularly Basic Energy Sciences. Experience with operational activities including ES&H facilities budgets funding property and human resources.
Leadership experience in a large multi-disciplinary scientific organization with the ability to define develop and act towards the Divisions strategic goals. Experience in developing and leading complex scientific/engineering research initiatives including organizing multidisciplinary teams of researchers and program / proposal development and evaluation.
Job Description:
Ames National Laboratory a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory seeks a Division Director for the Division of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE). The Division Director will lead one of the worlds top research centers for condensed matter physics and materials science. The ideal candidate is a motivated researcher in condensed matter physics materials sciences chemistry or related fields with a passion for interdisciplinary research and positive engagement with the entire Laboratory. The focus of this position is on leading the Division supporting programs people and facilities crucial for the Laboratory. Successful candidates may also actively engage in research preferably complementing existing research areas and skills.
DMSE conducts experimental and theoretical research on advanced materials from fundamental condensed matter physics to applications in fusion manufacturing and heat pump technology. The team includes 67 staff members 20 joint faculty with Iowa State University (ISU) 50 students and postdocs with an annual research budget of $24M. Major DOE funding comes from the Offices of Science Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (ARPA-E) and Fossil Energy. DMSE research includes world-recognized programs in highly correlated and quantum materials magnetic and caloric materials metamaterials single crystal growth metal alloys and powder metallurgy. Efforts in materials synthesis and characterization are highly coupled with strong efforts in advanced characterization such as photoemission NMR neutron and x-ray scattering ultrafast optics as well as computational materials design. DMSE is a leader in rare-earth materials including production of high-purity rare earth elements; novel magnetic caloric and quantum materials; and design optimization and application of rare-earth containing materials. Applied programs include alloy design for refractory alloys and their application to fusion and high-temperature turbines magnet manufacturing and caloric materials for heat pumps. DMSE researchers are active in the Critical Materials Innovation Hub a U.S. DOE Energy Innovation Hub led by Ames National Laboratory.
The successful candidate will have a strong vision for fundamental science and its connection to early-stage applied research. They will engage effectively across all levels of the Laboratory and with external stakeholders; establish positive working relationships across all members of the division and throughout the laboratory; and mentor researchers to help them develop strong successful careers. The ability to create a positive culture and to build and support a complex portfolio of projects and their leadership is essential. Ames Laboratory has a unique relationship with ISU located on campus which brings a uniquely academic environment to the laboratory. This is reflected in the number of graduate students and joint faculty supported by the Division. The Division Director should build upon the strengths and opportunities that the campus environment brings to the Laboratory.
The DMSE Director will oversee several research facilities including the Sensitive Instruments Facility (housing state-of-the-art electron-beam characterization capabilities) the Materials Preparation Center (a national resource for high-purity rare earth and other metals and alloys) and the Low Temperature Laboratory (providing cryogens and helium recovery for a variety of research laboratories in multiple buildings). The Advanced Magnet Facility is a new capability in the division. The division is also developing a Critical Minerals Refinery capability with over $15M in facility development.
The Division Director will manage researchers facilities and research programs and participate in the Laboratory Scientific Leadership Team. They will develop and implement strategic planning for the Division aligned with the Laboratorys mission to deliver critical materials solutions to the nation. The Division Director will work with the Chief Research Officer to manage the DOE Basic Energy Sciences Materials Sciences and Engineering portfolio an Energy Frontier Research Center and several multi-institutional efforts which span from basic to applied science programs. Candidates must have scientific credentials and relevant research interests aligned with our Basic Energy Sciences portfolio to provide leadership and vision to the research areas of the Division and of Ames National Laboratory as a whole.
Management responsibilities include overseeing the Divisions environmental safety and health (ES&H) budgets funding workforce planning human resources environment property and facilities. Mentoring and developing Ames Lab scientists and promoting a collaborative innovative ethical diverse and respectful environment are also key responsibilities.
This position serves at the pleasure of university administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies.
Appointment Type:
RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
PS816Application 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 or call or Toll Free: 1-.
Why Choose ISU
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.
Original Posting Date:
July 3 2025Posting Close Date:
August 10 2025Job Requisition Number:
R17363Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
