Position Title:

Ames National Laboratory Scientist I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree and 3 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. in physical chemistry or related field.
At least five years of automation and process optimization experience.
Experience with chemical reactions, extractions or separations, and the parameters related to these processes.
Experience in working with computational scientists and experimentalists in fields related to automation, process optimization, and AI.
Experience with developing, testing, and using computer programs with excellent software engineering techniques.
Extensive experience with LabVIEW.
Extensive experience with the latest versions of Python.
Proven experience and ability to deliver excellent software products.
Experience with collaborative software engineering development software, such as git, GitHub, and workflow/build tools.
Experience in mentoring and leadership.

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 Live? If 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 (ISU). 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.

The Division of Chemical and Biological Sciences of Ames National Laboratory is seeking a Scientist I in a term position.

The Scientist I position conceives, designs, and conducts studies and designs and implements software in the areas of laboratory automation, process optimization, and artificial intelligence. The position collaborates with the supervisor and other PIs within all Divisions at Ames National Laboratory, ISU and externally; designs and implements highly scalable and flexible chemistry software; invents, performs and conducts investigations; interprets the results; presents and defends research at professional and project meetings; drafts manuscripts for publication with collaborating co-authors; guides researchers on software engineering and research techniques; and writes research proposals for future funding of research projects (as PI or co-PI).

The successful candidate will possess strong communication skills to effectively interact with experienced colleagues in interdisciplinary fields for successful collaboration on research projects. The ability to timely plan, initiate, and execute research activities is important for success in this position. In addition, the successful candidate will mentor other researchers in the supervisor’s work groups and prepare reports as necessary for the funding agencies.

This position is a 1- year term.

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.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

January 4, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS810

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:

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

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 25, 2025

Posting Close Date:

December 4, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18182