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 research on developing construction materials derived from mine tailings.

This one‑year position may extend to a second year. The anticipated start date is February 1, 2026, or shortly thereafter. The fellow will conduct laboratory and field investigations aimed at advancing mine‑tailings‑derived construction materials. They will identify tailings sites in Peru, oversee sample collection, and perform comprehensive physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization. Results will form the basis for assessing reuse pathways.

The project will evaluate the following reuse options for sulfidic mine tailings: (1) use as lightweight aggregates in concrete; (2) use as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete; (3) use as a precursor in alkali‑activated or geopolymer materials; and (4) further reuse pathways as identified by the team. Additional responsibilities include preparing project reports, scholarly publications, and research proposals, collaborating with partners in Peru, and traveling as needed.

• Conduct laboratory and field studies aimed at producing 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

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

• Strong publication record in high quality peer‑reviewed journals
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Currently in the US with current work authorization

• 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.

$60,000 - $65,000

• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week‑long winter break for 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

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.