Postdoctoral Associate

About this position

Postdoctoral Associate, Critical Minerals Hub at Duke

• The Critical Minerals Hub at Duke invites applications for a full-time
• postdoctoral associate to conduct cutting-edge research in engineering
• and science related to critical minerals. This position will
• contribute to building interdisciplinary excellence and research
• pathways in critical minerals research at Duke University. We are
• seeking applications from researchers with a demonstrated track record
• in developing independent research and who are motivated to work at
• the nexus of multiple disciplines.

• The postdoctoral associate will develop a research project in
• collaboration with faculty related to critical minerals. Potential
• project topics are diverse, drawing on the expertise of Hub faculty in
• engineering (e.g., environmental engineering, mechanical engineering
• and materials science) and science (e.g., geoscience, geochemistry,
• environmental chemistry). A primary advisor and co-advisor will
• represent distinct disciplines. The postdoctoral associate will be
• expected to pursue research projects within the Hub faculty lab(s) and
• lead the presentation of their findings in peer-reviewed publications
• and in diverse forums (e.g., conferences, seminars).

• In addition to the primary research project, the individual will be
• expected to engage in collaborative research, mentoring (graduate and
• undergraduate students), and education activities related to the
• Critical Minerals Hub. The postdoctoral associate will gain valuable
• insights into center-level research and education activities, support
• in seeking funding for research, and the opportunity to build
• grantsmanship skills, engage with diverse external partners in
• academia and industry, and gain mentorship from multiple faculties
• across disciplines.

Qualifications

• The successful applicant will possess a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in an engineering or physical science discipline with some research experience related to critical minerals.

• They must be able to communicate the applicability of their prior research experiences to the critical minerals thematic area of the Hub and describe the interdisciplinary importance of these research experiences.

• Applicants should have an excellent academic record and thrive in a collaborative multidisciplinary research environment.

• The candidate should be able to, and be excited about, working in a varied lab group setting; plan and conduct assessments independently and collaboratively; interpret data; and present results to diverse audiences.

• Fluency in English (written and oral) is required.

• Excellent scientific writing skills and the ability to organize data and clearly disseminate findings and scientific concepts are essential for success in this position. The candidate must be able to demonstrate these skills.

• The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of
• extension. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
• Application review will begin on October 1, 2026, and will be
• conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The
• anticipated start date is January 1, 2027, but may be moved out
• depending on Hub and candidate discussions.
• Required Materials

• Curriculum vitae

• Cover letter, up to two pages. Introduce yourself and explain why this postdoctoral opportunity interests you. In addition to describing your relevant experience, address the following:

• What draws you to critical minerals and materials as a research area?

• What perspective, expertise, or way of thinking would you bring to the CM Hub at Duke?

• What is an example of a time you worked across disciplinary boundaries, entered an unfamiliar area, or helped connect people or ideas that are not usually brought together?

• Finally, add something about your interests, motivations, or working style that we would not learn from your CV.

• Career development statement - one page. Describe the career you hope to build, the capabilities or experiences you would like to develop during the postdoctoral appointment, and how this position could help you move toward those goals. We encourage applicants to identify what a successful postdoctoral experience would look like for them.

• Research vision - one page. Identify one or two research questions or opportunities related to critical minerals and materials that you find especially compelling. We are particularly interested in ideas that connect disciplines, methods, or parts of the critical-minerals system. Briefly explain why the question matters, how you might begin approaching it, and what expertise or collaborations would strengthen the work. These ideas are intended to help us understand your creativity and research instincts; they will not be treated as a fixed proposal or commitment.

• Name and contact information for at least three professional references. References will be contacted only at a later stage of the search.

• Applicants are welcome to use figures, conceptual diagrams, or other
• concise visual elements in their statements when these help
• communicate their ideas.

• For questions about this position, please email
• criticalminerals@duke.edu, and someone from our leadership team will
• respond.