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 (https://www.ameslab.gov/careers-and-internships/life-ames) ? 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 Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
3) List of Professional ReferencesIf 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
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
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.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
