Post-Doctoral Fellow - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering: Rare Earth Recovery Demonstration

Colorado School of Mines • Colorado, CO

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado School of Mines Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Prof. Jihye Kim. This full-time, 12-month position is expected to be renewed and involves individual research, mentoring students, potential classroom involvement, and professional activities. The role focuses on critical metals extraction, extractive metallurgy, mineral processing, and waste recycling, with an emphasis on rare earth recovery demonstration. The successful candidate will have opportunities to interact with industrial and federal laboratory researchers, develop their skills, and advance their career.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in metallurgy, chemical engineering, materials science, mining engineering, chemistry, or related field, with demonstrated background and experience in extractive metallurgy, critical metals extraction, and waste recycling.
• Demonstrated experience using MetSim is required.
• Demonstrated experience in electrochemical processing, particularly electrowinning and electrorefining.
• Motivated to work in an interdisciplinary framework and to interact closely with other team members at Mines and partner institutions.
• Expected to work independently, demonstrating initiative, strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills, and respect for project deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with other process simulation and thermodynamic software, such as OLI Systems, Aspen Plus, HSC Chemistry, FactSage, and Hydra/Medusa, is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Engage in the research activities of the Kim group
• Conduct two or more research projects simultaneously, working with a high level of independence under the supervision of Prof. Kim
• Design and perform hands-on extractive metallurgy experiments in line with the project(s) requirements
• Analyze and interpret experimental results, and disseminate research findings through project meetings, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations
• Develop process flowsheets and perform process simulations
• Help advise graduate and undergraduate students
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• 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
• Discount programs through the State of Colorado
• Free tickets for Mines Athletics home games
• Access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more)
• Equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center
• On-campus daycare center

What This Job Offers

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