Ames National Laboratory Research Technologist II

Ames National Laboratory, located on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, is a U.S. Department of Energy federally contracted National Laboratory dedicated to translating foundational science through applied research to create technological innovations, particularly in critical materials solutions.

About the role

The Division of Critical Materials (DCM) is seeking a Research Technologist II to provide flexible, high-impact technical support across multiple research teams. This position will maintain and optimize shared laboratory infrastructure, support equipment installation and commissioning, and ensure facilities align with safety and performance requirements. The role includes onboarding and training researchers, promoting best practices, and contributing to experimental efforts in materials synthesis, sample preparation, characterization, and data collection.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and coordinate repairs for shared laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Support Group Leaders and Principal Investigators (PIs) in the installation and commissioning of new equipment.
• Onboard new researchers and provide hands-on training in equipment use and laboratory protocols.
• Promote best practices and ensure safe, efficient, and reproducible experimental work in collaboration with researchers, technicians, and students.
• Contribute to experimental efforts, including materials synthesis, sample preparation, characterization, and data collection, adapting to evolving project needs.
• Coordinate shared resources, assist in cross-divisional projects, and facilitate communication among scientists, engineers, and technical staff.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory equipment and protocols.
• Manage laboratory supplies, inventory systems, and vendor coordination.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, multi-project research environment.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation in research or industrial environments.
• Hands-on experience supporting installation and commissioning of scientific or process equipment.
• Experience developing SOPs and training users on laboratory equipment and protocols.
• Practical experience supporting experimental workflows, including materials synthesis, sample preparation, and/or materials characterization.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices and compliance requirements (e.g., chemical handling, high-temperature systems, inert atmospheres).
• Experience working in multidisciplinary team environments and supporting multiple projects or users concurrently.
• Experience in data collection, documentation, and basic data analysis.
• Hands-on experience in metals and alloys processing, including melt processing and/or powder metallurgy.
• Familiarity with operation and maintenance of equipment such as furnaces, welding systems, melting units, milling equipment, sintering systems, glove boxes (inert environments), and powder handling/processing tools.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• 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.
• WorkFlex options for flexibility in work arrangements.

This is a full-time, 12-month regular appointment. Employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities and may require government access authorization.