About this opportunity
VS-Postdoc lists this Postdoctoral Researcher South Dakota School of Mines and Technology opportunity in rapid city, South Dakota. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Postdoctoral Researcher South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Postdoctoral Researcher
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
in Rapid City, SD
Type: Full-Time
Salary: $58,000 per year
Posted: Today
Category: Geology, Earth Sciences, and Oceanography
Institution: South Dakota Mines
Posting Number: NFE03181P
Department: SDSMT-Geology & Geological Engineering 1
Physical Location of Position (City): Rapid City
Posting Text
Position Summary
The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at South Dakota Mines isseeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to support a newly fundedU.S. Department of Energy project focused on advanced sensing andcharacterization for critical minerals. The postdoctoral researcher willprimarily lead and support research in experimental rock mechanics, block-scalelaboratory testing, and mechanical development of sensing tool prototypes. Theposition will involve close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. Thisis a full-time, benefited position.
Primary Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to the following activities:
Design, prepare, and characterize synthetic rock blocks for controlledlaboratory experiments.
Develop and conduct block-scale experiments under relevant subsurface conditions.
Assist with the mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, and integration of downhole tools.
Design experimental fixtures, pressure chambers, tool housings, and other mechanical components.
Install and integrate sensors, instrumentation, data-acquisition, and experimental control components.
Contribute to technical reports, project meetings, journal publications, and conference presentations.
Required Qualifications
A Ph. D. in geological engineering, petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, geomechanics, rock mechanics, or a closely related field by the position start date.
Strong background in experimental rock mechanics, geomechanics, or rock-physics testing.
Demonstrated hands-on experience in laboratory experiment design, equipment operation, or experimental system development.
Ability to independently plan, conduct, troubleshoot, and document laboratory experiments.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
Preparation, casting, machining, or characterization of synthetic rocks, geomaterials, or ore analogs.
Mechanical design using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software.
Downhole tools, wireline logging systems, drilling tools, or subsurface instrumentation.
Prototype development, machining, fabrication, and assembly.
Pressure vessels, sealing systems, high-pressure fluid systems, and mechanical testing fixtures.
This position requires
Travel
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment.
Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state's second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.
SouthDakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce andoffers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses anddependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sickday allowance. Employment is contingent uponcompletion of a satisfactory background investigation.
First Consideration Date: 08/28/2026
Advertised Salary: $58,000 depending on education and experience
Duration of the Term: 12 months
Appointment Type: Regular
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
rapid city, SD, 57700, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.