Engineering a world of possibilities

Post-Doctoral Researcher, ASPPRC

The Opportunity

The Colorado School of Mines Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher in the Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center (ASPPRC).

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will consist of individual research, interacting with (and sometimes mentoring) undergraduate and graduate student researchers, support of research facilities, interactions with sponsors, potentially some classroom involvement, professional activities and other special opportunities and assignments.

We seek an outstanding individual holding a Ph.D. in metallurgy or materials science, with a focus on ferrous metallurgy, having a background in physical and mechanical metallurgy and deep understanding of steel microstructure development and/or mechanical performance.  The candidate should have demonstrated experience in (but not limited to) the following experimental techniques such as heat treatment and themomechanical processing, dilatometry, metallographic techniques, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and mechanical testing.  Experience with relevant software packages such as ThermoCalc / DICTRA is also beneficial.

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 position will be located in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. We at Mines recognize that diversity is a crucial component to excellence in education and research, and strive to cultivate a community in which students, faculty, and staff with differing backgrounds, perspectives, talents, and needs are supported. We believe that a diverse community fosters energizing and enlightening debates, leads to deeper commitments, and results in a host of educational, research, and service outcomes both within our institution and the broader scientific community. To learn more about the Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center visit aspprc.mines.edu

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.

• engage in research activities of ASPPRC, and support the needs of the center

• conduct one or two research projects working with a high level of independence under the supervision of ASPPRC faculty

• conduct experimental and/or modeling work

• analyze data and present research updates through written reports and presentations

• Performs other duties as assigned

• PhD in materials science or comparable field with background in ferrous metallurgy, with demonstrated background and experience in some of the following experimental methods:  heat treatment and themomechanical processing, dilatometry, metallography, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and mechanical testing.  Experience with modeling and relevant software packages such as ThermoCalc / DICTRA is also beneficial.
   

Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards

• Most commonly involve mechanical testing or other equipment/instrumentation, and preparation and use of chemical etchants.

Salary and Benefits

$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.

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)

• Free RTD 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

This posting will close on December 11th at 12:00 a.m. Apply by December 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and upload the following:

• resume or CV

• letter of interest summarizing skills

This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs. References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.

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.

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