Ames National Laboratory Scientist I

Position Title: Ames National Laboratory Scientist I Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: PhD or equivalent combination of education and experience Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will serve as the computational lead within an integrated discovery platform. You will architect the digital frameworks, spanning graph neural networks, molecular representations, thermodynamic equilibrium modeling, and multi-agent LLM systems, that interpret complex analytical data, predict extractant-metal selectivity, and drive AI-guided open-loop and closed-loop experimental studies through direct interaction with autonomous robotic laboratories for critical materials separation. Skills and abilities necessary for this position include a strong fundamental grasp of coordination chemistry, solution thermodynamics, and aqueous electrolyte equilibria. The candidate must possess advanced programming proficiency in Python, cheminformatics libraries (specifically RDKit), and scientific machine learning frameworks (such as PyTorch Geometric). Furthermore, the role requires hands-on experience developing LLM-based agentic workflows, navigating Linux-based HPC cluster environments, interfacing with autonomous robotic labs for both open-loop and closed-loop studies, and working collaboratively in multi-institutional teams to translate physical sciences into computational workflows. This position is a 1-year term appointment. Preferred Qualifications: Experience running aqueous equilibrium engines, specifically PHREEQC or phreeqpy, with familiarity in non-ideal electrolyte models (Pitzer equations, Bromley, or e-NRTL). Prior exposure to wet-chemical laboratory environments handling mineral acids, metal salt solutions, and organic solvent diluents. Experience interfacing with autonomous robotic labs or automated liquid handlers for AI-guided open-loop and closed-loop experimental studies. Familiarity with interpreting datasets from analytical instrumentation (ICP-MS, ICP-OES, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, ATR-FTIR). Basic familiarity with OpenCV, YOLOv8, or simple image-segmentation tools. Exposure to real-world hydrometallurgical feedstocks (acid rock drainage, zinc roaster residues, bauxite red mud). Experience in drafting research proposals or participating in grant writing. Department/Program & College Description: Would you like to continue your scientific career at a U.S. National Laboratory that conducts world-renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a beautiful university campus in a mid-sized city 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 National 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. Employees with appointment at Ames National Laboratory are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation during the recruitment phase for review by Ames National Laboratory. Employment is contingent upon satisfying applicable requirements of Ames National Laboratory’s federal sponsor, the United States Department of Energy, and ISU requirements. These may include background checks and eligibility determinations related to access of facilities, information, or projects. This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain government access authorization for the duration of the appointment. 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. Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term) Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: PS810 Original Posting Date: November 2, 2026 Posting Close Date: November 15, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R20179 Employees with appointment at Ames National Laboratory are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation during the recruitment phase for review by Ames National Laboratory. Employment is contingent upon satisfying applicable requirements of Ames National Laboratory’s federal sponsor, the United States Department of Energy, and ISU requirements. These may include background checks and eligibility determinations related to access of facilities, information, or projects. This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain government access authorization for the duration of the appointment. 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.