Physics Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Position Title:
Ames National Laboratory Research Technologist II
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 3 years of related experience
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Division of Critical Materials (DCM) at Ames National Laboratory is searching for a qualified laboratory technologist who will play a central role in enabling the efficient execution of research activities across the Division. This position will provide flexible, high-impact technical support to multiple research teams, ensuring continuity, quality, and productivity in both routine and specialized laboratory operations.
The technologist will be responsible for maintaining and optimizing shared laboratory infrastructure, including preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and coordination of repairs for key equipment and instrumentation. The position will also support Group Leaders and Principal Investigators (PIs) in the installation and commissioning of new equipment, as needs arise. This role will help ensure that facilities and tools remain fully operational and aligned with safety and performance requirements.
A component of the position involves user support and training. The technologist will onboard new researchers, provide hands-on training in equipment use and laboratory protocols, and promote best practices. The position will coordinate with group leaders, researchers, technicians, and students in DCM and across Ames National Laboratory to ensure safe, efficient, and reproducible experimental work. The position will also contribute directly to experimental efforts as needed, such as supporting activities in materials synthesis, sample preparation, characterization, and data collection. This support will be adaptive, responding to evolving project needs and priorities across multiple programs.
In addition, the technologist will collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and other technical staff within the division and across Ames National Laboratory to coordinate shared resources, assist in cross-divisional projects, and facilitate communication.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, technically proficient, and proactive, with the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, multi-project research environment. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and continuous improvement are essential.
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 environment.
• Hands-on experience supporting installation and commissioning of scientific or process equipment
• Experience developing and implementing standard operating procedures (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
• Strong organizational skills with experience in data collection, documentation, and basic data analysis
• Experience managing laboratory supplies, inventory systems, and coordinating with vendors or service providers
• 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

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 answer 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 including delivering critical materials solutions to the nation. We promote and believe in a culture of civility and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory's collective success.
Department Unit/Website:
www.ameslab.gov
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.
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
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS808
Original Posting Date:
August 14, 2026
Posting Close Date:
September 13, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19788
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.