Post-Doctoral Fellow, Experimental Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Experimental Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering

The Opportunity

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines invites applications for a Research Faculty position supporting externally funded research in experimental mechanics, impact physics, and architected metamaterials. The successful candidate will contribute to multidisciplinary research investigating the dynamic response of advanced material systems under extreme loading conditions through the integration of advanced experimentation, computational modeling, and optical metrology.
 

The position includes responsibility for designing and conducting high-rate experimental campaigns, supporting graduate and undergraduate researchers, developing new experimental capabilities, collaborating with federal research sponsors and national laboratories, and disseminating research findings through peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborating institutions on large, multi-institutional research programs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze experimental investigations of advanced materials and architected polymer and metal metamaterials subjected to dynamic loading.

• Operate, maintain, and further develop high-rate experimental facilities, including single-stage and two-stage gas gun systems and Kolsky (split-Hopkinson) pressure bar systems for compression and tension.

• Develop and validate computational models supporting experimental investigations using finite element and hydrocode methods.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers, prepare technical reports and publications, and collaborate with external research partners and program sponsors.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

• Demonstrated experience conducting independent experimental research in dynamic material behavior or impact mechanics.

• Experience operating high-rate experimental systems.

• Experience with multiple optical metrology techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (2D and/or 3D), digital holography, etc.

• Experience with finite element analysis for dynamic solid mechanics problems.

• Demonstrated scientific communication skills, including technical writing and presentations.

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment and mentor student researchers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral or equivalent industry research experience in experimental mechanics or impact physics.

• Experience supporting large federally funded collaborative research programs.

• Experience operating and developing diagnostics with both single-stage and two-stage light gas gun systems.

• Experience operating and developing Kolsky (split-Hopkinson) bar systems in both compression and tension.

• Experience with explicit finite element software (e.g., Abaqus/Explicit, LS-DYNA) and continuum dynamics modeling (e.g., CTH or similar hydrocode).

• Experience with advanced optical diagnostics including Digital Image Correlation, holographic/interferometric methods, high-speed imaging, and infrared thermography.

• Experience characterizing polymeric cellular materials, including open-cell foam systems, under dynamic loading.

• Experience developing laboratory instrumentation and experimental procedures for high-rate testing.

• Demonstrated success publishing peer-reviewed research in experimental mechanics, impact engineering, or related fields.
   

Physical Requirements:                                    

• Ability to perform laboratory-based research activities.

• Ability to lift and transport laboratory equipment and materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.

• Ability to stand for extended periods while conducting experiments.
   

Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards:

• Laboratory environment involving high-pressure gas systems, impact testing equipment, lasers, and high-speed instrumentation.

• Exposure to noise, compressed gases, electrical equipment, and moving mechanical systems.

• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to laboratory safety protocols.

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.

That size – roughly 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.

And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

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 community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines

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 [email protected] 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