Research Technical Staff, Large-Scale Solvent Extraction, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Colorado School of Mines Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering invites applications for a Research Technical Staff to work with Prof. Jihye Kim (Large-Scale Solvent Extraction).

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, and preparing technical reports and other project deliverables. 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 at an industrial scale.

We seek an outstanding individual holding a Ph.D. in metallurgy, chemical engineering, mining engineering, materials engineering, or related field, with a focus on critical metals extraction, extractive metallurgy, and waste recycling. The candidate should have demonstrated experience in extractive metallurgical techniques, including but not limited to solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, and crystallization. In particular, the successful candidate should have expertise in the design and operation of large-scale solvent extraction processes. Industry experience with solvent extraction 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 15 month full-time position, with the expectation that the appointment will be renewed and the candidate will accomplish a substantial block of publishable research. 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 within the broader project team and the Kim Research Group
• Conduct research on hydrometallurgical separation and recovery of metals, with a primary focus on solvent extraction, with a high level of independence under the supervision of Prof. Kim
• 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, with particular emphasis on achieving high-purity products and translating laboratory-scale processes to larger-scale operation
• Conduct complementary hydrometallurgical processing activities, including chemical precipitation and/or ion exchange, 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.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in metallurgy, chemical engineering, mining engineering, materials engineering, or related field, with demonstrated background and experience in extractive metallurgy, metals extraction, and waste recycling.
• Demonstrated experience in large-scale solvent extraction is required.
• Demonstrated experience in chemical precipitation and ion exchange for separation and recovery is highly desirable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Industry experience in solvent extraction, precipitation, and other separation and recovery processes is strongly preferred.

 JOB DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Regular work with highly acidic, corrosive, and other hazardous chemicals.
• Strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols and the proper use of PPE is required at all times.

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?

Look to Mines.

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