Research Technical Staff, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Colorado School of Mines•Colorado, CO

About The Position

Colorado School of Mines’ Civil and Environmental Engineering department is hiring a Research Technical Staff member to support research on chemically modified biochar for use in cementitious composites. This one-year position may be extended for a second year, subject to funding and performance. The role leads laboratory investigations to improve biochar’s performance as a functional additive and supplementary cementitious material in concrete through targeted chemical modification. The staff member designs and carries out surface-treatment and functionalization strategies—such as oxidative treatments, chemical grafting, mineral coatings, and impregnation—and characterizes the resulting materials. Modified biochars are evaluated in cement paste, mortar, and concrete for effects on hydration, workability, mechanical performance, and durability. The position works with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and industry collaborators to advance promising modification methods toward scalable processes. Other work includes managing laboratory operations, preparing project reports and scholarly publications, and contributing to research proposals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, or civil engineering.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with chemical synthesis and/or surface modification of materials.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
For employees serving as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator, a PhD is required; a Bachelor’s degree and three years of an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a related field, such as chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, or civil engineering.
Prior experience with carbon-based materials such as biochar, activated carbon, carbon black, or graphene oxide.
Strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
Experience with surface chemistry characterization techniques such as FTIR, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, zeta potential, BET surface area analysis, TGA, or contact angle/wettability measurements.
Familiarity with cementitious materials or willingness to learn independently.
Experience with materials characterization equipment such as SEM-EDS, XRD, XRF, ICP-AES, or Micro-CT.
Interest in working at the interface of academic research and industry translation.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct chemical modification and functionalization of biochar to improve its performance in cementitious systems.
Characterize the physical and chemical properties of raw and modified biochars and evaluate their performance in cement paste, mortar, and concrete.
Prepare research manuscripts and technical reports.
Assist with mentoring graduate and undergraduate students and training research collaborators.
Assist with preparing research proposals arising from the research.
Assist with managing equipment and supplies and maintaining clean laboratory spaces.
Work with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and industry collaborators to advance promising modification methods toward scalable processes.

Benefits

Flexible health and dental care options.
Generous sick and vacation time.
13 paid holidays per year, including a week-long winter break for the entire campus.
Retirement plan fully vested on the first day of employment, with an employer contribution; the posting states an 11% employee contribution and a 12% employer contribution for University Staff positions.
Tuition benefits: six credits per year for employees and a 50% discount for dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass.
Discount programs through the State of Colorado.
Free tickets for Mines Athletics home games.
Access to the Recreation Center, including fitness classes, training, and a swimming pool.
Equipment rentals through the Outdoor Recreation Center.
On-campus daycare center.