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

Colorado School of Mines Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in the group of Prof. Jihye Kim.

About the role

The successful candidate will engage in individual research, mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers, and may contribute to classroom activities. The role involves professional development and special assignments, with opportunities to interact with researchers from industrial and federal laboratory communities.

The position is a 12-month full-time role with the expectation of renewal and the accomplishment of a substantial block of publishable research.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• Ph.D. in metallurgy, chemical engineering, materials science, mining engineering, chemistry, or a related field, with a focus on critical metals extraction, extractive metallurgy, mineral processing, and waste recycling.
• Demonstrated experience in extractive metallurgical techniques such as leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, crystallization, electrowinning, electrodeposition, comminution, magnetic/electrostatic/gravity separation, and flotation.
• Expertise in the electrochemical processing of gallium.
• Experience with process simulation and flowsheet development.
• Demonstrated experience using MetSim.
• Experience in electrochemical processing, particularly electrowinning and electrorefining.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary framework and interact closely with team members at Mines and partner institutions.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and meet project deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Job Demands and Working Conditions

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

Pay

Salary Rate: $70,000 annually. Mines considers a combination of candidate’s education, training, and experience, as well as the position’s scope and complexity, work location, and external market and internal value when determining salary.

Benefits

• Flexible health and dental care options.
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year, including a week-long winter break.
• Fully vested retirement plan on the first day of employment, with generous employer contribution.
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50% discount for dependents).
• Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and light rail.
• 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, swimming pool, and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center.
• On-campus daycare center.