Assistant Professor or Associate Professor

Montana Tech•Butte, MT

About The Position

The Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (M&ME) Department at Montana Technological University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position (Assistant or Associate, depending on qualifications) in mineral processing and/or extractive metallurgy. Montana Tech hosts one of the nation’s few truly integrated Mine-to-Materials engineering programs, combining mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and materials science to address the critical materials value chain—from resource characterization and beneficiation to metal production and advanced materials development. The department maintains strong partnerships with industry, national laboratories, and federal agencies focused on strengthening domestic critical materials supply chains and advancing metallurgical processing technologies. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in core mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and metallurgical process engineering courses, while establishing a vibrant externally funded research program focused on critical minerals, metallurgical processing technologies, and strategic materials production. Located in the historic mining center of Butte, Montana, Montana Tech offers a highly collaborative research environment with strong connections to industry and government partners working to secure the nation’s critical materials future

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate education and experience directly aligned with the department’s integrated Mine-to-Materials focus spanning mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and materials science. Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
An earned Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering, mineral processing engineering, materials science and engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline with demonstrated expertise in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, or materials processing, completed by the time of appointment.
Demonstrated research expertise in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy (hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, or electrometallurgy), critical materials recovery, or related metallurgical process technologies, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, doctoral research, or equivalent scholarly contributions.
Demonstrated ability or clear potential to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, materials processing, or related areas within metallurgical and materials engineering.
Evidence of ability to develop and sustain an externally funded research program that emphasizes critical materials, mineral beneficiation, extractive metallurgy, or strategic materials production.
Effective written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and formal technical instruction.
Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and collaborate in multidisciplinary research environments.
Applicants whose research and teaching interests do not involve mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, or metallurgical/materials production within the critical materials value chain will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited program in metallurgical engineering, materials engineering, chemical engineering, mineral processing engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
University-level teaching experience in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, materials processing, or related metallurgical engineering subjects.
Research experience in critical materials recovery, mineral beneficiation, metallurgical processing, or materials production relevant to energy systems, advanced manufacturing, or strategic materials supply chains.
Experience with industrial or pilot-scale mineral processing or metallurgical unit operations, such as comminution, flotation, gravity separation, leaching, solvent extraction, precipitation, electrowinning, or metallurgical process development.
Demonstrated success obtaining externally funded research support from federal agencies, industry partners, or national laboratories.
Experience supervising graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or research staff.
Professional engineering licensure (PE) or the ability to obtain licensure.
Experience collaborating with industry, national laboratories, or government agencies on applied research in mineral resources, metallurgical processing, or materials production.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and metallurgical process engineering in the M&ME Department as well as occasional service courses for the Lance College of Mines and Engineering (LCME) and/or College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies (CLSPS) 2Teach core and elective courses in the Materials Science Ph.D. program (in partial fulfillment of Duty 1, above)
Establish and conduct a program of original, externally funded research
Perform service activities for the department, LCME, MTU, and the profession
Advise undergraduate and graduate students
Adhere to the faculty policies and guidelines in the MTU Faculty and Staff Handbook and M&ME Department Standards

Benefits

Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
11 Holidays per year
3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
Life and Disability Insurance
Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.