Ames National Laboratory Scientist I Metal Production Research
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1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Position Title:
Ames National Laboratory Scientist I - Metal Production ResearchJob Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
Masters degree and 3 years of related experiencePreferred Qualifications:
Degree in metallurgy physical science engineering physics chemistry materials science or related field.Hands-on experience producing or purifying rare-earth reactive or refractory metals from halide salts and/or oxides. Demonstrated capabilities with processes for metal reduction (e.g. metallothermic electrolytic etc.) and slag/flux design.
Understanding of crucible/refractory selection and awareness of failure modes. Troubleshooting impurity pathways (metal vs. slag vs. fume).
Operation of vacuum/inert furnaces gloveboxes molten-salt/electrolysis cells hot materials transfer/handling and inert-gas management.
Electrometallurgy/molten salt electrolysis cell design (anode/cathode materials current efficiency).
Thermochemical modeling capabilities and process design.
Analytical toolkit capabilities such as ICP-OES XRD SEM/EDS LECO O/N/H/C DSC/TGA-GCMS; etc.
Experience in laboratory space management including equipment maintenance and chemical inventory management.
Technical writing and communication skills; ability to defend methods/results in reviews and at professional meetings.
Experience or exposure in writing grant proposals.
Job 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 LiveIf 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 Laboratorys collective success.
The Division of Critical Materials (DCM) at Ames National Laboratory seeks a Scientist I to conduct experimental research on the production of metals and alloys from salts oxides and related precursor materials. The Ames National Laboratory is a Department of Energy (DOE) funded national laboratory operated through contractual agreement with Iowa State University. The DCM is the Ames National Laboratory division that oversees the U.S. DOEs Critical Materials Innovation Hub.
The successful candidate will design develop and optimize routes for metals production including but not limited to metallothermic electrolytic and electrochemical methods to support U.S. supply-chain resilience. Work will span bench-to-pilot experiments for the reduction and refining of rare-earth (RE) and other specialty metals and alloys from halide salts (e.g. REF₃ NaREF) oxides and mixed feedstocks. Expertise developed on RE and specialty systems will be extended to novel experimental studies on transition metals and their alloys. The role requires operation and upkeep of key laboratory systems (e.g. vacuum/inert-atmosphere furnaces other furnaces gloveboxes fume hoods molten-salt electrolysis cells) and use of standard characterization tools (e.g. ICP-OES DSC/TGA-GCMS XRD SEM/EDS) with rigorous EHS and data-integrity practices.
The Scientist I will work with the supervisor DCM researchers Ames National Laboratory investigators and collaborators across the CMI Hub to perform cutting-edge research. The incumbent will conceive plan execute and supervise experiments; analyze and interpret results; as well as present and defend findings in internal reviews and at professional meetings. Responsibilities include authoring manuscripts mentoring students supporting postdoctoral researchers and leading or contributing to competitive research proposals (as PI or co-PI) to sustain and grow the program. The position will also interface with a team of administrative staff and is expected to advance into building a broader network of industrial national laboratory and academic partners in alignment with the Ames National Laboratory Strategic Goals.
Appointment Type:
RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
PS810Application 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:
November 20 2025Posting Close Date:
December 4 2025Job Requisition Number:
R18166
Key Skills
- Laboratory Experience
- Machine Learning
- Python
- AI
- Bioinformatics
- C/C++
- R
- Biochemistry
- Research Experience
- Natural Language Processing
- Deep Learning
- Molecular Biology
About Company
Attending Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) can be a whirlwind experience for some. ISU is a public land-grant institution offering higher education courses and programs with an emphasis on science, technology, and related areas. It's also home to the Cyclones athl ... View more
