Postdoctoral Researcher - Extractive Metallurgist for Critical Mineral Recovery

Role details

Posting Title Postdoctoral Researcher - Extractive Metallurgist for Critical Mineral Recovery . Location CO - Golden . Position Type Postdoc (Fixed Term) . Hours Per Week 40 . Working at NLR NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future.

Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth. At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description We are seeking an extractive metallurgist to work on critical mineral extraction and processing projects for the Building Thermal Energy Sciences Group. The successful candidate will conduct advanced research focused on the extraction, recovery, purification, refining and/or recycling of metals. The role involves developing innovative, sustainable, and economically viable metallurgical processes, performing experimental and analytical work, and collaborating within a multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will be required to lead/co-lead peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and technical reports.

Specific Responsibilities: Design laboratory experimental setups related to mineral and chemical processing. Support a hydrometallurgical project on rare earth separation and recovery. Support pyrometallurgical projects focused on graphite processing and critical mineral recovery from alloys. Characterize solid/liquid samples using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) etc. Design and execute high-quality experimental research; interpret and communicate results. Perform thermodynamic analysis on metal/mineral systems to guide experiments.

For some sample publications by the group please visit the below links albeit please note this is more of an experimentalist position compared to characterization. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0892687526006679 https://research-hub.nlr.gov/en/publications/electrochemical-carbon-deposition-from-co2-in-molten-carbonates-s/ https://research-hub.nlr.gov/en/publications/characterization-and-effects-of-impurities-on-carbonate-quantific/ https://research-hub.nlr.gov/en/publications/elucidating-pore-network-evolution-in-laboratory-and-shaft-furnac/ .

Basic Qualifications

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years. • Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications The successful candidate must demonstrate expertise in: Process Technologies: Pyrometallurgy, high-temperature synthetic chemistry, molten salt electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy, aqueous electrochemistry, electrometallurgy, electrodeposition Fundamental Sciences: Inorganic chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetic evaluation, degradation processes (corrosion, chemical changes, etc.) Analytical Methods: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Modeling & Analysis: FactSage thermodynamic modeling, OLI Studio Stream analyzer.

Research Excellence: Publication record on topics relevant to the job description; ability to design rigorous research projects and interpret experimental results Laboratory Management: Experience managing research laboratories dedicated to high-temperature work; demonstrated history of safe conduct of research Communication: Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with a strong record of contributions to the field Essential Competencies: Collaboration & Leadership: Ability to work closely with engineers, scientists, and students across many different fields; demonstrated ability to participate in, facilitate, and lead collaborations.

Must demonstrate ability to encourage and maximize the unique talents and innovative ideas of a diverse array of collaborators from a wide range of backgrounds. Independence & Initiative: Ability to work independently, take initiative, and design high-quality research projects Teamwork & Mentorship: Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to developing emerging talent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and fabricating new experimental setups.
• Knowledge of mineral beneficiation, ferrous/non-ferrous metal processing and refining.
• Formal mentorship or teaching experience . Job Application Submission Window The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed. Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week) Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400 NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions. Benefits Summary Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.
• Based on eligibility rules Badging Requirement NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Drug Free Workplace NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn. Submission Guidelines Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application. .

Equal Opportunity

Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable Accommodations E -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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