Ames National Laboratory Research Technologist I or II
Job Summary
Position Title:
Ames National Laboratory Research Technologist I or IIJob Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degreeJob Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Division of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE) at Ames National Laboratory is searching for a qualified laboratory research technologist.
The successful candidate will work with the DMSE leadership Materials Preparation Center Manager Group Leaders researchers technicians and students in both DMSE and Division of Critical Materials (DCM) to safely perform processing characterization and testing of materials of interest for applied research projects. The work will include operating lab-scale (0.1-1 kg) and assist in using mid-scale equipment (e.g. 1-10 kg) in the Materials Preparation Center Advanced Magnet Facility (AMF) and Critical Materials Refinery at Ames Lab for the synthesis of materials using plasma electron-beam and induction melting and powder metallurgy including gas atomization jet milling cold isostatic pressing sintering rolling extrusion and forging. The candidate will participate in planning and performing experiments and performing process optimization to improve yields and quality of desired products.
The candidate will assist and/or operate and maintain large processing equipment and serve as expert user for training other users. Additional efforts will include research documentation for samples and equipment. The position requires the ability to work in a team setting with diverse groups of researchers and provide technical support. Demonstrated the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet set milestones is essential.
Areas of expertise and duties include:
Experience in processing metals and alloys using melt processing and/or powder metallurgy.
Assist in operation of advanced equipment at the AMF and Critical Materials Refinery. Includes arc melting plasma melting electron-beam melting jet milling sintering use of glove boxes and powder processing and handling.
Help with maintenance and installation including safe operation of equipment
Perform work for external partners through AMF and Critical Materials Refinery and Materials Preparation Center
Ensure all relevant safety policies and procedures are followed train new users and help maintain and update safety documentation.
The ideal candidates must be able to communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders group leaders research staff post docs and graduate students as well as outside vendors and requestors.
Required Qualifications:
Ames Laboratory Research Technologist I: Bachelors degree
Ames Laboratory Research Technologist II: Bachelors degree and 3 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Preferred degree in Materials Science Mechanical Engineering Chemistry or related fields
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in a research laboratory
- Demonstrated experience in conducting safe work by following standard operating procedures and all rules and regulations.
- Experience with synthesis and processing of materials including use of lab-scale or mid- to large-scale furnaces
- Experience in powder metallurgy and safe handling of powders
- Experience in thermo-mechanical processing of metals and alloys including rolling forging and extrusion
- Experience with maintaining laboratory equipment and systems in particular vacuum pumps and systems and furnaces.
- Experience in troubleshooting and repairing small equipment including computer interfaces for process control and data acquisition.
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 LiveIf 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 civility and shared ownership in support of the Laboratorys collective success.
Department Unit/Website:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
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 or call or Toll Free: 1-.
Appointment Type:
RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
PS807Original Posting Date:
April 30 2026Posting Close Date:
May 14 2026Job Requisition Number:
R19131Iowa 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. email .
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.
Required Experience:
IC
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