Assistant Professor, Critical Mineral Resources

Position: Assistant Professor, Critical Mineral Resources (Multiple Openings)
Engineering a world of possibilities

Colorado School of Mines (Mines) invites applications for three faculty positions wihtin the general theme of critical mineral resources. The primary aim of this faculty solicitation is to strengthen the value chain associated with critical minerals including exploration for mineral and metal resources, responsible mining practices, processing, and transformation, uses and application, and the role of markets, economics and policy. Mines' strategic effort is to grow in areas of significant existing strength and to support research and teaching efforts in the Mines' Departments of Chemistry, Economics and Business, Geology and Geological Engineering, Geophysics, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, and Mining Engineering.

Successful applicants can be hired into any of these departments or be jointly appointed. Mines is a great place to engage in education and research in each of these areas as they relate to our Earth, Energy, and Environment mission.

Mines anticipates filling three tenure-track Assistant Professor positions across disciplines related to mineral resources needed to support the value chains of critical minerals with a start date in August 2026. Qualified candidates with research specialization in one or more of the following topical areas are encouraged to apply:

* Economics of and public policy related to mineral, metal, and materials markets to support resilient, adaptable, and environmentally and socially sustainable supply chains of mineral resources and related materials.

* Innovative approaches and technology associated with the exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling of critical mineral and metal resources for responsible and economic production.

* Technologies for advancing the recovery and processing of critical mineral and metal resources from mining, industrial, materials manufacturing, and non-traditional waste streams.

For further information about the positions or the university vision, please contact the search chair, Dr. Ian Lange, at ilange.

Responsibilities

* Develop and deliver course materials to undergraduate and graduate students in traditional, hybrid, and online pedagogies demonstrating teaching excellence.

* Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

* Establish and/or maintain a quality publication record.

* Develop a strong active externally funded research program that leads to scholarly publications.

* Contribute both institutionally and professionally through active service.

* Cultivate and promote a welcoming Mines community through recruiting, mentorship, and service.

* Collaborate, and eventually lead, across campus and contribute to service in areas that represent institutional priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

* Ph.D. in a closely related discipline from an accredited program by the time the appointment begins. Assistant Professor candidates must possess 0-3 years of experience in academic, research lab, and/or industry experience and accomplishments in a related field.

* Demonstrated ability to effectively apply research skills in Mines' research focus areas.

Preferred Qualifications

* General pedagogical knowledge (how to teach); pedagogical content knowledge (how to teach a specific discipline); and ability to use instructional technology for effective teaching.

* Commitment to excellence in teaching and curriculum development at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

* Demonstrated record of research publications in archival journals and conference proceedings.

* Industry experience when applicable.

* Integrity, energy, and a passion for education and research.

* Desire to engage in external outreach activities and professional service.

About Mines & Golden, CO

Colorado School of Mines, Colorado's oldest public university, produces talent, knowledge and solutions that serve industry and benefit society-all to create a more prosperous future. Mines has about 6400 undergraduate students and 1900 graduate students in a broad range of applied science and engineering disciplines. Mines, an R1 institution, maintains high-quality, well-funded research programs (~$106M in awards for fiscal year 2024) with strong participation from both graduate and undergraduate students.

The 2026 edition of U.S. News and World Report ranks Mines as a top 100 university. Mines has the highest admissions standards of any public university in Colorado and among the highest of any public university in the U.S. Located in Golden, Colorado, Mines has close proximity to Denver and Boulder, providing opportunities for significant collaboration with government labs, industry, and other universities.

More information can be found es.edu

Annual Rate

$96,000 to $114,000

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

* Flexible health and dental care options

* Generous sick/vacation time

* Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution of…