Research Technical Staff, Chemistry

Engineering a world of possibilities Research Technical Staff, Chemistry

The successful candidate’s primary responsibility will be to independently execute the defined research work scope, including planning and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, documenting results, preparing technical reports and other project deliverables, and interacting with industrial collaborators. The candidate will communicate research progress and findings with the project team and participate in project meetings as needed. The candidate may also be expected to travel periodically, approximately once per month, to the industry collaborator’s facility to observe and support the implementation of technologies developed by the Mines team.

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, or related field. The candidate must have demonstrated experience in solvent extraction studies of lanthanide elements. Experience with operando spectroscopy of lanthanide solvent extraction systems is strongly preferred. 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 successful candidate will be offered a 16 month full-time position, with the possibility of renewal. 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.

• Engage in research activities within the broader project team
• Conduct research on separation chemistry of lanthanides with a primary focus on solvent extraction, with a high level of independence
• Design, plan, and perform hands‑on, large‑scale solvent extraction experiments in accordance with project objectives and requirements
• Develop and optimize solvent extraction processes for the separation and purification of rare earth elements
• Conduct complementary chemical studies as needed to support the overall process flowsheet
• Analyze and interpret experimental results and communicate research progress and findings through project meetings, technical reports, and other project deliverables
• Collaborate closely with academic and industry partners to support project objectives, technology scale‑up, and project deliverables

• Other duties as assigned to meet the objectives goals of the program and/or Mines

• Ph.D. in chemistry or related field, with demonstrated experience in solvent extraction studies of lanthanide elements
• Demonstrated experience in solvent extraction studies of lanthanide elements is required
• Demonstrated experience with operando spectroscopy of lanthanide solvent extraction systems is highly desirable

Salary Rate: $80,000-$100,000 annually 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.

• 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 for regional bus and lightrail
• 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…