Geometallurgy Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate in geometallurgical engineering, mineral processing, mining geology, or comparable discipline for the Department of Critical Minerals & Geothermal Energy in the Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on the geometallurgy of mineralogically complex rare earth element (REE) and thorium (Th) deposits. The work involves designing, running, and optimizing comminution and beneficiation experiments that turn complex feedstocks into high-grade mineral concentrates for downstream extraction. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of the Minerals, Materials, and Metallurgy (M³) Laboratory in Idaho Falls with every other Friday off.
 

The postdoctoral researcher will report to Dr. Paul Slezak and will be the lead experimentalist for developing a multi-stage beneficiation circuit at INL's M³ Laboratory. This is one of very few U.S. facilities equipped to process REE-bearing samples that contain naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). The researcher will use various comminution methods, density separations, magnetic and electromagnetic separations, and froth flotation to link the physical properties of REE- and Th-bearing minerals to separation performance. They will evaluate each stage by grade and mass recovery, then integrate the stages into an optimized circuit. 

The researcher will also support mineralogic and geochemical characterization of samples using mineral liberation analysis (MLA) on REE-and NORM-bearing samples. This work includes the collection, compilation, organization, and interpretation of data and writing proposals for obtaining new data. The results will be used to build elemental deportment models that guide circuit design.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings. The candidate will also contribute to invention disclosures, help develop follow-on proposals, and support representation of the Department through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers at conferences and symposia.
 

Required:

• PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Mining Engineering, Geology, or comparable disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years. 
• Hands-on experience designing and conducting laboratory-scale comminution experiments (e.g., crushing, grinding, and size classification), including characterizing particle size distribution and mineral liberation.
• Hands-on experience conducting mineral beneficiation experiments using one or more of the following: gravity/density separation (e.g., shaker table, heavy liquid separation), magnetic or electromagnetic separation, or froth flotation.
• Experience evaluating separation performance through grade, recovery, and mass balance calculations.
• Experience with mineralogic characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, or automated mineralogy (e.g., QEMSCAN, MLA), and the ability to relate mineral properties to process behavior.
• Ability to analyze and interpret geological and metallurgical data using computer software, and to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English
   

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience processing REE-bearing ores or other critical mineral feedstocks, particularly from carbonatite or other mineralogically complex deposits.
• Experience working with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) or in radiological laboratory settings.
• Experience with flotation reagent chemistry (collectors, depressants, and modifiers) and surface chemistry of REE and gangue minerals.
• Experience designing and integrating multi-stage beneficiation flowsheets, including experience with statistical design of experiments.
• Experience with geometallurgical modeling, elemental deportment studies, or microanalytical techniques such as electron probe microanalysis or LA-ICP-MS mapping. 
• Experience with hydrometallurgical leaching of mineral concentrates
   

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. Field work includes working in remote locations within radioactive boundary areas (RBA), and overnight travel for extended field work. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.