Postdoctoral Researcher

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo Institution South Dakota Mines Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher Posting Number NFE03181P Department SDSMT-Geology & Geological Engineering 1 Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City Posting Text

Position Summary

The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at South Dakota Mines is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to support a newly funded U.S. Department of Energy project focused on advanced sensing and characterization for critical minerals. The postdoctoral

researcher will primarily lead and support research in experimental rock mechanics, block-scale laboratory testing, and mechanical development of sensing tool prototypes. The position will involve close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. This is a full-time, benefited position.

Primary Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to the following activities:

• Design, prepare, and characterize synthetic rock blocks for controlled laboratory experiments.
• Develop and conduct block-scale experiments under relevant subsurface conditions.
• Assist with the mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, and integration of downhole tools.
• Design experimental fixtures, pressure chambers, tool housings, and other mechanical components.
• Install and integrate sensors, instrumentation, data-acquisition, and experimental control components.
• Contribute to technical reports, project meetings, journal publications, and conference presentations.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in geological engineering, petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, geomechanics, rock mechanics, or a closely related field by the position start date.
• Strong background in experimental rock mechanics, geomechanics, or rock-physics testing.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in laboratory experiment design, equipment operation, or experimental system development.
• Ability to independently plan, conduct, troubleshoot, and document laboratory experiments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Preparation, casting, machining, or characterization of synthetic rocks, geomaterials, or ore analogs.
• Mechanical design using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software.
• Downhole tools, wireline logging systems, drilling tools, or subsurface instrumentation.
• Prototype development, machining, fabrication, and assembly.
• Sensors, data-acquisition, signal conditioning, control systems, or experimental automation.
• Pressure vessels, sealing systems, high-pressure fluid systems, and mechanical testing fixtures.

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203 or hr@sdsmt.edu. Review of applications will begin August 28, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Please attach a cover letter describing relevant research experience, technical qualifications, and interest; a current curriculum vitae; one to three selected publications or technical work samples; and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference).

Posting Date 08/21/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 08/28/2026 Advertised Salary $58,000 depending on education and experience Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment.

Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state's second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection, Protective Clothing If other protection is used please identify

Depending on the laboratory or field activity, additional protection may include safety-toe footwear, hard hats, face shields, high-visibility vests, and task-specific gloves. Respiratory protection may be required for dust-producing activities in accordance with university safety procedures and applicable training and fit-testing requirements.

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Stairs, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Walking Describe any of the conditions selected

The position requires regular computer and laboratory work, including sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, grasping, and fine hand movements. The employee may occasionally carry, push, pull, or lift laboratory equipment and materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Some field activities may require walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, kneeling, crouching, and driving. Assistance or mechanical lifting equipment will be used for heavier items.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Color Vision, Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Changes of Temperature, Electrical Current, Exposure to Dust, Exposure to Noise, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Vibrations, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Work is performed in laboratory, office, and occasional field environments. The position may involve exposure to rock and metal dust, equipment noise, vibration, machining fumes, electrical systems, pressurized equipment, and changing temperatures. Field activities may involve variable weather conditions and walking or standing on rough or uneven terrain. Appropriate safety training, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment will be required.

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Classroom Environment, Lab Environment, Office Environment, Outdoors Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

The primary work will be performed in laboratory and office environments. Field activities may occur at drilling sites, geological field locations, or industry partner sites. The position may also occasionally support student training, research demonstrations, and project presentations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Public Job Posting

• Internal Job Posting

• Agency Referral

• Advertisement/Publication

• Personal Referral

• Website

• Other

• Please attach a cover letter describing relevant research experience, technical qualifications, and interest; a current curriculum vitae; one to three selected publications or technical work samples (upload as Work or Writing Sample); and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference).

(Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Reference List
• Work or Writing Sample

Optional Documents