Assistant Professor, Critical Mineral Resources (Multiple Openings)

Colorado School of Mines

19d • $96,000 - $114,000

About The Position

Engineering a world of possibilities Colorado School of Mines (Mines) invites applications for three faculty positions wihtin the general theme of critical mineral resources. The primary aim of this faculty solicitation is to strengthen the value chain associated with critical minerals including exploration for mineral and metal resources, responsible mining practices, processing, and transformation, uses and application, and the role of markets, economics and policy. Mines’ strategic effort is to grow in areas of significant existing strength and to support research and teaching efforts in the Mines’ Departments of Chemistry, Economics and Business, Geology and Geological Engineering, Geophysics, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, and Mining Engineering. Successful applicants can be hired into any of these departments or be jointly appointed. Mines is a great place to engage in education and research in each of these areas as they relate to our Earth, Energy, and Environment mission. Mines anticipates filling three tenure-track Assistant Professor positions across disciplines related to mineral resources needed to support the value chains of critical minerals with a start date in August 2026. Qualified candidates with research specialization in one or more of the following topical areas are encouraged to apply: Economics of and public policy related to mineral, metal, and materials markets to support resilient, adaptable, and environmentally and socially sustainable supply chains of mineral resources and related materials. Innovative approaches and technology associated with the exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling of critical mineral and metal resources for responsible and economic production. Technologies for advancing the recovery and processing of critical mineral and metal resources from mining, industrial, materials manufacturing, and non-traditional waste streams. For further information about the positions or the university vision, please contact the search chair, Dr. Ian Lange, at [email protected].

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a closely related discipline from an accredited program by the time the appointment begins.
• Assistant Professor candidates must possess 0-3 years of experience in academic, research lab, and/or industry experience and accomplishments in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively apply research skills in Mines’ research focus areas.

Nice To Haves

• General pedagogical knowledge (how to teach); pedagogical content knowledge (how to teach a specific discipline); and ability to use instructional technology for effective teaching.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and curriculum development at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated record of research publications in archival journals and conference proceedings.
• Industry experience when applicable.
• Integrity, energy, and a passion for education and research.
• Desire to engage in external outreach activities and professional service.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver course materials to undergraduate and graduate students in traditional, hybrid, and online pedagogies demonstrating teaching excellence.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Establish and/or maintain a quality publication record.
• Develop a strong active externally funded research program that leads to scholarly publications.
• Contribute both institutionally and professionally through active service.
• Cultivate and promote a welcoming Mines community through recruiting, mentorship, and service.
• Collaborate, and eventually lead, across campus and contribute to service in areas that represent institutional priorities.

Benefits

• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution of 12%
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Access to an on-campus daycare center
• Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and light rail transportation
• Mines’ leadership and innovation bring proximity and access to several research centers, consortia, agencies, labs, and leading-edge technology.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree