The posting
Engineering a world of possibilities
We are seeking three postdoctoral researchers to support research projects focused on developing sustainable cementitious materials, lightweight aggregates and geopolymers from red mud and residual materials such as mine tailings generated following critical mineral recovery. These are one-year positions with the possibility of extension for a second year. The anticipated start date is November 1, 2026, or shortly thereafter.
The postdoctoral researchers will conduct laboratory investigations to characterize and evaluate untreated red mud and treated residual powder for use as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and other value-added construction materials such as lightweight aggregates and geopolymer bricks. Each postdoctoral researcher, while focusing on one product track (i.e., SCM and concrete, Lightweight aggregate and concrete, and geopolymer brick), will join a vibrant team of researchers and will collaborate on a variety of production processes as potential reuse pathways for the mine tailings. Research activities will include physical, chemical, mineralogical, and microstructural characterization of feedstocks; evaluation and optimization of pretreatment and activation methods; production and testing of mortar and concrete mixtures containing materials; and assessment of mechanical properties, durability, environmental performance, and microstructural development of concrete, geopolymer brick, and aggregates. Additional responsibilities include analyzing and interpreting experimental data, preparing project reports and scholarly publications, contributing to intellectual property development, mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers, and assisting with related research activities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct laboratory research on the utilization of untreated red mud and residual powder from critical mineral recovery and mine tailings as SCMs and other construction materials
- Perform physical, chemical, mineralogical, and microstructural characterization using techniques such as XRF, XRD, SEM/EDS, particle-size analysis, FTIR, TGA/DSC, and related methods
- Evaluate pretreatment and activation methods, including mechanical treatment, thermal activation, dealkalization, and other approaches for improving SCM performance
- Design, produce, and test mortar and concrete mixtures containing mine tailing derived SCMs and evaluate their fresh, mechanical, microstructural, and durability properties
- Develop and evaluate alkali-activated or geopolymer bricks, lightweight aggregates, and ceramic tiles using laboratory and continuous or semi-continuous processes such as extrusion, pelletization or granulation, pressing, curing, and sintering
- Conduct durability and environmental testing, including freeze-thaw resistance, alkali-silica reactivity, and leaching evaluations, as appropriate
- Support optimization and scale-up by relating feedstock characteristics and processing conditions to product performance, energy use, cost, and manufacturability
- Analyze experimental results and prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed research manuscripts, presentations, and materials supporting intellectual property development
- Assist with mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers and coordinating laboratory research activities
- Communicate research findings and participate in project meetings and travel to collaborator, industrial, mine, or conference locations
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- PhD in a related field (civil engineering, materials engineering, geological engineering, mining engineering, chemical engineering, physics, chemistry, or other related fields)
- Research experience in cementitious materials, concrete, supplementary cementitious materials, ceramics, alkali-activated materials, industrial byproducts, mine waste, or closely related materials
- Strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
- Currently in the US with current work authorization
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Preferred Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Prior research experience with cementitious materials, concrete durability, supplementary cementitious materials, ceramics, alternative binders, industrial byproducts, mine tailings, or red mud
- Experience with one or more characterization techniques, including SEM/EDS, XRD, XRF, FTIR, TGA/DSC, ICP-AES, particle-size analysis, or micro-CT
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of cement hydration, pozzolanic reactions, SCM reactivity, alkali activation, ceramic processing, or microstructure-property relationships
Annual Rate
$65,000 to $70,000
Mines takes into consideration a combination of (the) 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 Research Staff 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. (remove period)
- 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 (EcoPass)
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. This position will remain open until all positions have been filled. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application, upload a resume, and a cover letter stating the product tracks of interest (i.e., SCM and concrete, Lightweight aggregate and concrete, and geopolymer brick). 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.
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.
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 community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures 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
