Post-Doctoral Fellow, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities

Colorado School of Mines, Civil and Environmental Engineering department, is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to support our research on developing construction materials derived from mine tailings.

This is a one-year position with the possibility of extension for a second year. The anticipated start date is February 1, 2026, or shortly thereafter. The postdoctoral fellow will conduct both laboratory- and field-based investigations aimed at advancing mine-tailings-derived construction materials. After identifying tailings sites of interest in Peru, the researcher will oversee sample collection and perform comprehensive physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization.

These results will form the basis for a systematic assessment of reuse pathways. The project will evaluate four primary reuse options for sulfidic mine tailings: (1) use as lightweight aggregates in concrete, (2) utilization as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete, and (3) application as a precursor in alkali-activated or geopolymer materials. The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to the evaluation of these pathways in collaboration with the project team.

Additional responsibilities include preparing project reports, scholarly publications, and research proposals. The role also involves close collaboration with research partners in Peru, and the fellow may be required to travel and conduct on-site work to support key project activities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Conducting laboratory and field studies aimed at production of construction materials from mine tailings

* Prepare research manuscripts and technical reports

* Assist with mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students and training of research collaborators

* Assist with preparing research proposals resulting from the conducted research

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

* A PhD in a related field (civil engineering, materials engineering, geological engineering, mining engineering, chemical engineering, physics, chemistry, or other related fields).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Strong publication record in high quality peer-reviewed journals

* Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

* Currently in the US with current work authorization

Preferred:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish

* Ability to travel to Peru

* Prior experience with one or more of the following: cement testing, concrete performance evaluation and durability testing, materials characterization using equipment such as SEM, XRD, XRF, SEM-EDS, ICP-AES, FTIR, TGA, Micro-CT.

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Equal Opportunity

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Annual Rate

$60,000 - $65,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its…