Post-Doctoral Fellow, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities Post-Doctoral Researcher

The Colorado School of Mines Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering invites applications for a post‑doctoral researcher in the group of Prof. Xiaolei Guo. The successful candidate will conduct independent research, collaborate with, and occasionally mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers, participate in professional development activities, and contribute to project‑related assignments as needed. The postdoctoral researcher will be dedicated to this project with a primary focus on experimental research and laboratory execution.

Given the collaborative and industry‑oriented nature of the work, the candidate should be prepared to operate in a fast‑paced research environment.

Regular travel to Austin or Gramercy for several days of laboratory work and on‑site meetings approximately every other week will be required. During alternate weeks, partner personnel will visit our campus, and the postdoctoral researcher is expected to be fully engaged in collaborative laboratory activities and project execution.

We seek an outstanding individual holding a Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or a related field, with a focus on electrochemical recovery of critical minerals from molten salts. The candidate should have demonstrated experience in electrochemistry, molten salts, and critical minerals, and should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary framework and interact closely with other team members at Mines and partner institutions.

The candidate is expected to work independently, demonstrating initiative, strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills, and respect for project deadlines. The position will be located in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO, and will provide opportunities to interact with researchers from the industrial and federal laboratory communities, developing skills and reputation to advance career opportunities.

• Engage in research activities of the Guo group
• Conduct one or two research projects with a high level of independence under the supervision of Prof. Guo
• Perform electrochemical recovery of critical minerals in line with the project(s) requirements
• Travel to partner sites biweekly and interact frequently with researcher partners
• Disseminate results at project meetings and through papers and presentations at conferences
• Help advise graduate students

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or related field, with demonstrated background and experience in electrochemistry, molten salts, and critical minerals.

• Electrochemistry, molten salts, and critical minerals expertise

• Exposure to laboratory chemicals, corrosive materials, high‑temperature equipment, and electrical equipment. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), extended periods of laboratory work, and travel to industrial and research partner facilities. All work will be conducted in accordance with established laboratory and site‑specific safety protocols.

Salary Rate: $63,000

• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week‑long winter break for the entire campus
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass
• All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state‑of‑the‑art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on‑campus daycare center.

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veteran status) and upload a CV and cover letter.…