Geometallurgy Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate in geometallurgical engineering, mineral processing, mining geology, or comparable discipline for the Department of Critical Minerals & Geothermal Energy in the Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on the geometallurgy of mineralogically complex rare earth element (REE) and thorium (Th) deposits. The work involves designing, running, and optimizing comminution and beneficiation experiments that turn complex feed stocks into high-grade mineral concentrates for downstream extraction.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of the Minerals, Materials, and Metallurgy (M³) Laboratory in Idaho Falls with every other Friday off.

The postdoctoral researcher will report to Dr. Paul Slezak and will be the lead experimentalist for developing a multi-stage beneficiation circuit at INL's M³ Laboratory. This is one of very few U.S. facilities equipped to process REE-bearing samples that contain naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). The researcher will use various comminution methods, density separations, magnetic and electromagnetic separations, and froth flotation to link the physical properties of REE- and Th-bearing minerals to separation performance.

They will evaluate each stage by grade and mass recovery, then integrate the stages into an optimized circuit.

The researcher will also support mineralogic and geochemical characterization of samples using mineral liberation analysis (MLA) on REE-and NORM-bearing samples. This work includes the collection, compilation, organization, and interpretation of data and writing proposals for obtaining new data. The results will be used to build elemental deportment models that guide circuit design.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings. The candidate will also contribute to invention disclosures, help develop follow-on proposals, and support representation of the Department through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers at conferences and symposia.

• PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Mining Engineering, Geology, or comparable disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Hands-on experience designing and conducting laboratory-scale comminution experiments (e.g., crushing, grinding, and size classification), including characterizing particle size distribution and mineral liberation.
• Hands-on experience conducting mineral beneficiation experiments using one or more of the following: gravity/density separation (e.g., shaker table, heavy liquid separation), magnetic or electromagnetic separation, or froth flotation.
• Experience evaluating separation performance through grade, recovery, and mass balance calculations.
• Experience with mineralogic characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, or automated mineralogy (e.g., QEMSCAN, MLA), and the ability to relate mineral properties to process behavior.
• Ability to analyze and interpret geological and metallurgical data using computer software, and to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English

• Experience processing REE-bearing ores or other critical mineral…