Colorado, United States
Onsite
Engineering a world of possibilities
Post-Doctoral ResearcherThe 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.
How To Apply
Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veteran status) and upload a CV and cover letter. References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. This posting will remain open until June 28th at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will notice on the application form, there is only one location to upload all required materials. Further, once submitted, the applicant will not be able to edit their application. Applicants may submit their application as one combined document or as separate documents. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR at kfeighny@mines.edu with any questions.
Supervisor: Xiaolei Guo
Anticipated start date: October 2026
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
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