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!

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 dorie.gelber@mines.edu 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.