Job Description
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Researcher - Computational and Theoretical Chemistry Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Postdoctoral Researcher will study the energetics and dynamics of chemical systems in both gas and condensed phases. Research areas include reactions under astrochemical conditions, atmospheric processes, combustion systems, and physiological environments. Required Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience with quantum chemistry calculations and molecular dynamics simulations Demonstrated experience in scientific programming for computational chemistry applications Demonstrated experience with machine learning-based force field development Strong publication record in reputable, peer-reviewed journals Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University is a leading center for research, education, and innovation in the chemical sciences. The department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs and fosters a collaborative environment where students and faculty engage in hands-on, cutting-edge research. Faculty and students work across a broad range of disciplines—including analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry—often partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames National Laboratory. With a strong emphasis on discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success, the department prepares graduates to address complex scientific challenges in academia, industry, and beyond Department Unit/Website:
Department of Chemistry 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 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. Proposed Start Date:
July 1, 2026 Number of Months Employed Per Year:
Time Type:
Full time Pay Grade:
Post Docs Original Posting Date:
June 1, 2026 Posting Close Date:
June 7, 2026 Job Requisition Number:
R19331 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. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University 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. 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 website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
