What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post-Doctoral Fellow, PFAS position at Colorado School of Mines?
Engineering a world of possibilities
The Higgins Research Group is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in environmental systems.
This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of PFAS research, focusing on their fate, transport, transformation, and remediation in water, soil, and engineered systems. The successful candidate will conduct research and publish reports and journal articles on PFASs in concrete, PFAS treatment technologies, PFAS environmental transport, and volatilization of PFASs. This wide variety of projects will require the candidate to work with an array of partners and collaborators. Most projects will require direct quantification of PFASs via LC-MS analysis or working with data from previously analyzed datasets.
Candidates should have a Ph.D. in the general area of environmental engineering or environmental chemistry, with experience in laboratory experimentation. The ideal candidate would also have experience with chemical measurements such as measuring PFASs in environmental samples. The successful candidate will need to 1) conduct bench-scale laboratory experiments; 2) conduct PFAS analysis of field and laboratory-derived samples; and 3) assist in managing a research group of graduate students. Funding is initially available for one year, with the possibility of extension if additional research funding is available and adequate progress is being made. The position will have a hopeful start of June 1, 2026, though an earlier or later start date can be negotiated. Candidates should have completed the requirements of their Ph.D. by the start date of their position.
Primary Responsibilities
Education and Experience:
Education and Experience:
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. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).
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
$61,000 - $64,000
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 research faculty positions!
Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.
For This Role, That Includes
How To Apply
Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Monday, April 13, 2026. If you submit your application after this date, it may or may not be considered. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.
Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity.
Background investigation required prior to start
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 hr@mines.edu 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
The Higgins Research Group is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in environmental systems.
This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of PFAS research, focusing on their fate, transport, transformation, and remediation in water, soil, and engineered systems. The successful candidate will conduct research and publish reports and journal articles on PFASs in concrete, PFAS treatment technologies, PFAS environmental transport, and volatilization of PFASs. This wide variety of projects will require the candidate to work with an array of partners and collaborators. Most projects will require direct quantification of PFASs via LC-MS analysis or working with data from previously analyzed datasets.
Candidates should have a Ph.D. in the general area of environmental engineering or environmental chemistry, with experience in laboratory experimentation. The ideal candidate would also have experience with chemical measurements such as measuring PFASs in environmental samples. The successful candidate will need to 1) conduct bench-scale laboratory experiments; 2) conduct PFAS analysis of field and laboratory-derived samples; and 3) assist in managing a research group of graduate students. Funding is initially available for one year, with the possibility of extension if additional research funding is available and adequate progress is being made. The position will have a hopeful start of June 1, 2026, though an earlier or later start date can be negotiated. Candidates should have completed the requirements of their Ph.D. by the start date of their position.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead independent research activities in collaboration with faculty advisor(s)
- Participate in weekly research meetings with faculty advisor(s)
- Participate in larger project team meetings and support project reporting activities required by project sponsor
- Conduct physical experiments on PFAS treatment at the laboratory scale
- Write scientific publications, reports, policy briefs, and guidelines
- Provide support for and/or lead the preparation and submission of proposals for future research funding for the research group
- Meet weekly with graduate students working on related research projects to provide mentoring that supplements that provided by the faculty advisor(s)
- Present findings at regional and national conferences and organizing workshops
Education and Experience:
- Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Geosciences, or related fields
- Experience with laboratory experiments and/or environmental chemical analysis
Education and Experience:
- Experience with per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
- Experience with environmental chemistry laboratory experiments
- Experience with LC-MS analysis of organic chemicals
- Strong publication record showing the ability to publish papers in referred journals
- Demonstrated expertise in analytical chemistry and/or environmental modeling
- Experience with PFAS or emerging contaminants strongly preferred
- Ability to program in Python, R, or Matlab
- Ability to work independently
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students
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. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).
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
$61,000 - $64,000
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 research faculty 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)
How To Apply
Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Monday, April 13, 2026. If you submit your application after this date, it may or may not be considered. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.
Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity.
Background investigation required prior to start
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 hr@mines.edu 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
Salary : $61,000 - $64,000