Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Chemical and Biological Science Division at Ames Laboratory, a Department of Energy National Laboratory affiliated with Iowa State University, is searching for a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate.

The successful candidate will develop biological imaging instrumentation and methods including subdiffraction fluorescence imaging methods and multimodal fluorescence and infrared imaging methods. Developing these methods includes designing and building the instrumentation, developing the data analysis methods, and applying the methods to study model biomolecules and biomass systems.  This research is part of the laboratory’s work for an Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research funded project.

The position will require the successful candidate to collaborate with a team of laboratory scientists including physical scientists, molecular biologists, and engineers. Prior research experience using commercial optical imaging systems, and not developing optical imaging systems, will not be suitable for the successful candidate.

This Postdoctoral Research Associate is a one-year appointment with opportunity for renewal.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

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

Ph.D. in chemistry or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Extensive experience developing optical imaging systems including designing, setting up and aligning optics

Expertise in subdiffraction optical imaging instrumentation and application to biological systems

Proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques and working with enzymes, cells, and sterile techniques

Experience disseminating research results including public presentations and written manuscripts

Experience working with and communicating among multidisciplinary teams as well as experience mentoring other laboratory members

Publication record and a curriculum vitae that demonstrates all of the above preferred qualifications

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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:

October 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Post Docs

Original Posting Date:

July 6, 2026

Posting Close Date:

July 12, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19561

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 eooffice@iastate.edu.

 

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.