Post-Doctoral Fellow - Mechanical Engineering

Position Title Post-Doctoral Fellow - Mechanical Engineering The Opportunity

The Extreme Structures and Materials Laboratory at the Colorado School of Mines invites applicants for a Postdoctoral Research position. We are looking to hire a self-motivated and talented individual with a strong experimental aptitude to contribute significantly to both our hands-on experimental work and corresponding analytical development in a fast-paced, creative environment.

The research activities involve state-of-the-art experiments to understand the response of materials subjected to extreme temperatures, dynamic loading states and high strain-rates. The individual hired will be responsible for leading on some of the current research project, assisting with experiments, operating, maintaining, and potentially improving lab instrumentation and generally contributing to the laboratory research projects and goals.

This posting will likely hire multiple Post-Doctoral Fellows for this same research opportunity.

Responsibilities

The overall responsibilities for this position are as follows:

• Participate in the research experiments, including the design, fabrication, and assembly of experimental components and equipment. The experimental responsibilities are strongly hands-on and require an excellent mechanical aptitude in a laboratory setting, including the use of specialized tools to operate and improve the laboratories experimental capabilities.
• Participate in the development and implementation of experimental techniques for a broad range of research projects involving dynamic behavior of materials.
• Contribute effectively to all aspects of the experimental and corresponding analytical efforts, including guidance and assistance to other laboratory postdoctoral research associates, and graduate students.
• Conduct regular maintenance and administrative activities in the laboratories, order experimental components and supplies, etc., and work effectively in a team setting.
• Prepare sponsor reports and publications as appropriate.
• Potentially aid in the development of research grant ideas and submissions, as needed.

Note: Due to the diverse nature of the research activities and the facilities in the laboratory, the above list should be viewed as a representative, but not a complete, list of responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of advanced experimental mechanics and full-field metrology techniques such as digital image correlation.
• Demonstrated strong comprehension of advanced mechanics of materials is a must.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, as needed
• Personal attributes should include critical thinking, excellent communication skills – both oral and written, sound judgement, clear sense of purpose and attention to detail
• Working knowledge of engineering drawing and finite element method analysis highly desired
• Preference will be given to those with specific dynamic behavior of experiments background, e.g. Kolsky (split-Hopkinson) bar training or gas-gun work, as well as any inverse techniques and full-field method development
• Other material characterization training such as scanning electron microscopy and micro-CT considered a plus

About Mines & Golden, CO
Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver. The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. An arid climate and an average 300 days of sunshine per year make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience.
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, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse 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 inequity or concerns for safety.


Pay Range

Mines is offering an academic year salary of $60,000 - $63,000

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.

Total Rewards Mines is proud to provide exceptional benefits that include pay, health & wellness and work/life balance offerings. Our portfolio of benefits includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. Additionally, Mines employees are eligible for tuition benefits (for employees and dependents), generous paid holidays and leaves and discount programs. Additionally, Mines’ leadership and innovation brings proximity and access to several research centers, consortia, agencies, labs and leading edge technology. For more information, visit Mines benefits . How to Apply Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veterans status), upload a CV and cover letter (required), and provide us with contact information for 3 references (required). References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. Background Investigation Required Yes COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement This position will require documented proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or exemption because of a medical or religious exclusion. New employees will be required to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination upon hire. Religious and medical exemptions and reasonable accommodation shall be addressed as required by law pursuant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s vaccination guidance.

Advertised: Aug 10, 2022 Mountain Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 31, 2022 9:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time