Duke University, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Position ID:
Duke-Civil and Environmental Engineering-PDA_CMHUB [#31425]
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Associate
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
2026/01/09 11:59PM
(posted 2025/12/17, listed until 2026/06/17)
(posted 2025/12/17, listed until 2026/06/17)Position Description:
Position Description
The Critical Minerals Hub at Duke is accepting applications for a postdoctoral associate. We are seeking applications from talented researchers that are motivated to work at the nexus of multiple disciplines. This is an opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research and take an active role in connecting across disciplines through participation in Hub activities, including a Bass Connections project. The postdoctoral associate will co-develop a research project related to critical minerals. Potential project topics are diverse, drawing on expertise of Hub faculty. There will be a primary advisor and co-advisor representing distinct disciplines. The postdoctoral associate will be expected to pursue independent research 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 (graduated 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, identify and seek funding for research, build grantsmanship skills, engage with diverse external partners in academia and industry, and gain mentorship from multiple faculties across disciplines. The successful applicant will possess a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in engineering, material science, geoscience, environmental science, chemistry, industrial ecology, social science or another relevant field 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. A background and demonstrated experience working at the intersection of disciplines is desired; expressed interest in working at this intersection is required. The candidate should have the ability to and be excited about working in a diverse 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. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility for extension. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Review of the applications will begin January 9, 2026 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Your application should include a cover letter (be sure to address your fit for the position), curriculum vitae, 1-page statement of your career goals and how this postdoc experience will help you achieve your goals, 1-page description of your proposed interdisciplinary research project, and contact information for at least three references. For questions pertaining to this position please send an email to criticalminerals@duke.edu and someone from our leadership team will respond.Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- One Page Statement, Career goals and how this postdoc experience will help you achieve your goals
- One Page Description, Proposed interdisciplinary research project
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: