Post-Doctoral Fellow, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

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 be responsible for conducting independent research, collaborating with and occasionally mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers, participating in professional development activities, and contributing to project-related assignments as needed. The postdoctoral researcher will be fully 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 related field, with a focus on electrochemical recovery of critical minerals from molten salts. The candidate should have demonstrated experience in (but not limited to) electrochemistry, molten salts, and critical minerals. All candidates applying for this position should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary framework and to 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. It is expected that the candidate will have opportunities to interact with researchers from the industrial and federal laboratory communities, and to develop their skills and reputation to advance their career opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Engage in research activities of Guo group
• Conduct one or two research projects working with a high level of independence under the supervision of Prof. Guo
• Perform electrochemical recovery of critical mineral 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

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Electrochemistry, molten salts, and critical minerals

Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards

• Potential environmental conditions and hazards associated with this position include exposure to laboratory chemicals, corrosive materials, high-temperature equipment, and electrical equipment. The position may also require the 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.

Total Rewards

Salary Rate: $63k

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.

Benefits 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: 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. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.