Posting Title
Postdoctoral Researcher - Extractive Metallurgist for Critical Mineral Recovery

Location
CO - Golden

Position Type
Postdoc (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week
40

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://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.

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.