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

About the role

Engineering a world of possibilities

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

The successful candidate's responsibilities will consist of individual research, mentoring of undergraduate and graduate student researchers, potentially some classroom involvement, professional activities and other special opportunities and assignments.

We seek an outstanding individual holding a Ph.D. in metallurgy, chemical engineering, materials science, mining engineering, chemistry, or related field, with a focus on critical metals extraction, extractive metallurgy, mineral processing, and waste recycling.

The candidate should have demonstrated experience in (but not limited to) the extractive metallurgical techniques such as leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, crystallization, electrowinning, electrodeposition, comminution, magnetic/electrostatic/gravity separation, and flotation.

In particular, the successful candidate should have demonstrated expertise in the electrochemical processing of gallium, as well as experience with process simulation and flowsheet development.

All candidates applying for this position should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary framework and to interact closely with other team members at Mines and partner institutions. The candidate is expected to work independently, demonstrating initiative, strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills, and respect for project deadlines.

The successful candidate will be offered a 12 month full-time position, with the expectation that the appointment will be renewed and the candidate will accomplish a substantial block of publishable research. It is expected that the candidate will have opportunities to interact with researchers from the industrial and federal laboratory communities, and to develop their skills and reputation to advance their career opportunities.

Primary 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.

Additional responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Job Demands and Working Conditions

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

Total Rewards

Salary Rate: $70,000 annually

Priority review will begin on 8/21/26. Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• 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

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. We are proud to have recently opened an on-campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How to Apply

Priority review will begin on 8/21/26. Applications must complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and:

• Upload a resume or CV (REQUIRED)
• Upload a cover letter (REQUIRED)

• This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs.
• Please note: References will not be contacted until later in the selection process, and you will be informed before that contact is made.
• Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR at with any questions.