Engineering a world of possibilities
Colorado School of Mines, Civil and Environmental Engineering department, is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to support our research on developing construction materials derived from mine tailings.
This is a one-year position with the possibility of extension for a second year. The anticipated start date is February 1, 2026, or shortly thereafter. The postdoctoral fellow will conduct both laboratory- and field-based investigations aimed at advancing mine-tailings-derived construction materials. After identifying tailings sites of interest in Peru, the researcher will oversee sample collection and perform comprehensive physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization. These results will form the basis for a systematic assessment of reuse pathways. The project will evaluate four primary reuse options for sulfidic mine tailings: (1) use as lightweight aggregates in concrete, (2) utilization as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete, and (3) application as a precursor in alkali-activated or geopolymer materials. The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to the evaluation of these pathways in collaboration with the project team. Additional responsibilities include preparing project reports, scholarly publications, and research proposals. The role also involves close collaboration with research partners in Peru, and the fellow may be required to travel and conduct on-site work to support key project activities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conducting laboratory and field studies aimed at production of construction materials from mine tailings
- Prepare research manuscripts and technical reports
- Assist with mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students and training of research collaborators
- Assist with preparing research proposals resulting from the conducted research
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- A PhD in a related field (civil engineering, materials engineering, geological engineering, mining engineering, chemical engineering, physics, chemistry, or other related fields).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong publication record in high quality peer-reviewed journals
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Currently in the US with current work authorization
Preferred:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish
- Ability to travel to Peru
- Prior experience with one or more of the following: cement testing, concrete performance evaluation and durability testing, materials characterization using equipment such as SEM, XRD, XRF, SEM-EDS, ICP-AES, FTIR, TGA, Micro-CT.
About Mines & Golden, CO
When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.
Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).
Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.
At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?
Look to Mines.
Equal Opportunity
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.
Annual Rate
$60,000 - $65,000
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.
In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Administrative Faculty positions!
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 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)
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
Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Monday, February 2, 2026. If you submit your application after this date, it may or may not be considered. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.
Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at [email protected] with any questions about this opportunity.
Background Investigation Required Prior to Start
Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at [email protected] or 303.273.3250 for assistance.
Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting
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