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Golden, Colorado, United States
Onsite
Engineering a world of possibilities
Post-Doctoral Fellow - Mechanical EngineeringThe Opportunity
The postdoctoral researcher position is an exciting opportunity to meaningfully contribute to ongoing efforts in advanced multiscale muscle modeling within the NSF-funded, BII: Integrative Movement Sciences Institute. This position is expected to develop fundamental and detailed musculoskeletal models and movement simulations of muscle contraction to evaluate accuracy of model outputs and variation in musculoskeletal capacity. Model and simulation development will be accompanied by comprehensive validation of muscle behavior at the whole-body, tissue, and fiber scales. As a key researcher within IMSI, you will have the opportunity to support and build collaborations across multiple institutions and fields. Primary supervisors will be Dr. Anne Silverman and Dr. Katie Knaus in Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, with collaborating laboratories led by Dr. Kiisa Nishikawa at Northern Arizona University and Dr. Monica Daley at the University of California Irvine. You will receive mentorship from individuals across domains and career stages, with the professional growth opportunity to develop new projects incorporating junior trainees in biomechanics. Looking for a 9/2026 start date.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Developing multiscale models of muscle
Generating multiscale simulations of muscle contraction
Validating models with experimental biomechanical data
Collecting and analyzing experimental biomechanical data related to individual musculoskeletal capacity and variation
Disseminating research results at relevant professional conferences
Writing multiple publications of experimental, modeling, and simulation results with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team across institutions
Mentoring junior trainees within the Integrative Movement Sciences Institute
Engaging in and leading research workshops, summer institute programming, and other institute-wide activities
Contributing to writing and submission of research proposals to obtain future funding
Additional Responsibilities
Performing other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related biomechanics field obtained by August 2026.
Multiple years’ experience in muscle modeling and movement simulations.
Demonstrated publication record in biomechanics.
Certifications and Licenses:
CITI Human Subjects Training
HIPAA and Privacy Act Training
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Biomechanical data collection and processing
Musculoskeletal model development and validation in a relevant software package (may include OpenSim, FEBio, Mujoko, SCONE, Anybody, etc.)
Development and computational analysis of movement simulations
Statistical design and analysis
Excellent technical communication
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
Preferred Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Experience working across institutions with partners in engineering and biology on collaborative interdisciplinary research projects.
Mentorship experience resulting in technical products from collaborative teams.
Supervision of undergraduate researchers.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Musculoskeletal model development and validation in multiple relevant software packages (may include OpenSim, FEBio, Mujoko, SCONE, Anybody, etc.)
Familiarity with human musculoskeletal anatomy and muscle physiology
Total Rewards
Salary Rate: $69,000 - 74,000 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.
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 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 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.
How to Apply
Review of applications will be ongoing. Applications must complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and:
Upload a resume or CV
Upload a cover letter
Upload a document listing three professional references and contact information.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants will notice there is one box to upload all materials. This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs. Please note: References will not be contacted until later in the selection process, and you will be informed before that contact is made. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR at kfeighny@mines.edu with any questions.
About Mines & Golden, CO
When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.
Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).
Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.
At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.
That size – roughly 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.
Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.
And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?
Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.
Equal Opportunity
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. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.
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 inequality or concerns for safety.
Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting