Engineering a world of possibilities

Colorado School of Mines PFAS Remedial Technology Engineering Center is looking for postdoctoral researchers to participate in evaluation of remediation techniques including separation and destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from media including groundwater, soil, wastewater, and biosolids.

Projects will include preparing evaluations for treatment technologies at a range of readiness stages, from early prototypes up to commercial readiness, as well as performing either benchtop or pilot-scale validation experiments to advance technology readiness. Successful candidates can expect to make strong connections with industry partners, as this is part of a large collaborative effort to produce a comprehensive database for successful PFAS remediation at contaminated sites.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in the general area of environmental engineering or environmental chemistry. The ideal candidate would also have experience with chemical measurements such as measuring PFASs in environmental samples. The successful candidate will need to 1) perform comprehensive reviews of PFAS treatment technology performance and readiness; 2) conduct bench- or pilot-scale laboratory experiments related to PFAS treatment technologies; and 3) assist in managing a research group of graduate students. We offer a one-year contract with the possibility of a one-year extension if adequate progress is being made. Candidates should have completed the requirements of their Ph.D. by the start date of their position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead independent research activities in collaboration with faculty advisor(s)
• Participate in weekly research meetings with faculty advisor(s)
• Participate in larger project team meetings and support project reporting activities required by project sponsor.
• Conduct physical experiments on PFAS treatment at the laboratory scale.
• Write scientific publications, reports, policy briefs, and guidelines.
• Provide support for and/or lead the preparation and submission of proposals for future research funding for the research group.
• Meet regularly with graduate students working on related research projects to provide mentoring that supplements that provided by the faculty advisor(s).
• Present findings at regional and national conferences and organizing workshops.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Geosciences, or related fields
• Experience with laboratory experiments and/or environmental chemical analysis

Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Experience with per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
• Experience with environmental chemistry laboratory experiments
• Strong publication record showing the ability to publish papers in referred journals

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to conduct appropriate statistical analysis of experimental data
• Ability to work independently
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Candidates with experience in either pilot-scale testing of treatment technologies or economic analysis of environmental technologies are encouraged to apply

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. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

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 and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Annual Rate

$62,000 - $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.

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 Faculty positions!

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

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Monday, June 8, 2026 (this has been extended from June 1). If you submit your application after this date, it may or may not be considered. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. 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.

Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
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 hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.

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