Postdoc Research Associate in Chemistry, Ames

Position Title:Postdoc Research Associate in Chemistry

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The postdoctoral researcher will perform independent research on the design and synthesis of macrocycles and the development of skeletal editing reactions under the supervision of Assistant Professor Junqi Li in the Department of Chemistry at Iowa State University. A primary goal of this research project is to support the postdoctoral researcher's growth as an independent researcher and will ideally produce at least one peer-reviewed publication. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to train and mentor junior graduate and undergraduate students in the Li lab. The postdoctoral researcher will also be expected to lead the research group in maintaining a safe and conducive work environment for all researchers in the laboratory.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Proficiency in air-free techniques and Schlenk line operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in asymmetric synthesis

Experience in structural analysis using 2D NMR

Experience in transition metal-catalyzed reactions

Strong scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, grant contributions, or technical reports, with the ability to clearly communicate complex research findings

Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.

Department/Program&College Description: The Department of Chemistry at Iowa State University is proud to offer dynamic research opportunities in analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, inorganic and materials chemistry, organic and bioorganic chemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry, and chemical education. Located in Gilman Hall and Hach Hall on the ISU campus, our department is home to dedicated faculty, staff, graduate students, and cutting-edge research laboratories. We are committed to fostering a supportive and engaging environment that prioritizes both the academic success and personal well-being of our outstanding chemistry majors.

Department Unit/Website:Department of Chemistry ( 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 , or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:August 3, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:Post Docs

Original Posting Date: May 18, 2026

Posting Close Date:June 18, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R19231

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 .

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 cityof 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 .

If you have questions about the application process please email 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 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.