Research Technical Staff, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities
Colorado School of Mines (Mines), Civil and Environmental Engineering department, is seeking a Research Technical Staff hire to support our research on chemically modified biochar for use in cementitious composites.
This is a one-year position with the possibility of extending a second year, pending funding and performance. This position will lead laboratory investigations aimed at improving the performance of biochar as a functional additive and supplementary cementitious material in concrete through targeted chemical modification. This position will design and execute surface treatment and functionalization strategies (e.g., oxidative treatments, chemical grafting, mineral coatings, or impregnation approaches) to tune biochar surface chemistry, wettability, and reactivity, and will systematically characterize the resulting materials. These modified biochars will be evaluated in cement paste, mortar, and concrete systems for their effects on hydration, workability, mechanical performance, and durability. This position will work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and industry collaborators to translate promising modification routes toward scalable processes. Additional responsibilities include lab management, preparing project reports, scholarly publications, and research proposals.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and conduct chemical modification and functionalization of biochar to improve its performance in cementitious systems
Characterize the physical and chemical properties of raw and modified biochars and evaluate their performance in cement paste, mortar, and concrete
Prepare research manuscripts and technical reports
Assist with mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students and training of research collaborators
Assist with preparing research proposals resulting from the conducted research
Assist with managing equipment, supplies, and cleanliness of laboratory spaces
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, civil engineering, or other related fields)
For employees serving in a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator role: A PhD is required; however, a Bachelor’s degree and three years of an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with chemical synthesis and/or surface modification of materials
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Preferred
Education and Experience:
Advanced degree in a related field (chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, civil engineering, or other related fields)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Prior experience with carbon-based materials (biochar, activated carbon, carbon black, graphene oxide, or similar)
Strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
Experience with surface chemistry characterization techniques such as FTIR, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, zeta potential, BET surface area analysis, TGA, or contact angle/wettability measurements
Familiarity with cementitious materials or willingness to learn independently
Experience with materials characterization equipment such as SEM-EDS, XRD, XRF, ICP-AES, or Micro-CT
Interest in working at the interface of academic research and industry translation
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.
Annual Rate
$65,000
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 University Staff 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. (remove period)
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 (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