Postdoctoral Fellow - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering: Rare Earth Recovery Demonstration

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

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. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).

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.

That size – roughly 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.

And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

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 community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
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 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.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

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 inequality or concerns for safety.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting