Post-Doctoral Fellow, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Postdoctoral Researcher – Materials Engineering

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 conduct independent research, collaborate with and occasionally mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers, participate in professional development activities, and contribute to project‑related assignments as needed.

Primary focus will be experimental research and laboratory execution. The position requires regular travel to Austin or Gramercy for several days of lab work and on‑site meetings approximately every other week. During alternate weeks, partner personnel will visit our campus, and the researcher is expected to be fully engaged in collaborative laboratory activities and project execution.

Anticipated start date:
October 2026.

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

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or related field
• Demonstrated background and experience in electrochemistry, molten salts, and critical minerals
• Strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and meet project deadlines

• Additional expertise in electrochemistry, molten salts, and critical minerals
• Experience in interdisciplinary research environments

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) and extended periods of laboratory work. All work will be conducted in accordance with established laboratory and site‑specific safety protocols.

Salary Rate: $63,000 per year. Mines determines salary levels based on candidate education, training, experience, and the scope and complexity of the role.

• 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
• Access to discount programs through the State of Colorado, free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, and state‑of‑the‑art Recreation Center facilities
• Access to outdoor recreation amenities through the Outdoor Rec Center
• On‑campus daycare center

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

The institution complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination, harassment or retaliation within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.