Postdoctoral Associate

The Critical Minerals Hub at Duke invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral associate to conduct cutting-edge research in engineering and science related to critical minerals. This position will contribute to building interdisciplinary excellence and research pathways in critical minerals research at Duke University. We are seeking applications from researchers with a demonstrated track record in developing independent research and who are motivated to work at the nexus of multiple disciplines.

In addition to the primary research project, the individual will be expected to engage in collaborative research, mentoring (graduate 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, support in seeking funding for research, and the opportunity to build grantsmanship skills, engage with diverse external partners in academia and industry, and gain mentorship from multiple faculties across disciplines.

Qualifications

• The successful applicant will possess a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in an engineering or physical science discipline 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. 
• The candidate should be able to, and be excited about, working in a varied 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 for success in this position. The candidate must be able to demonstrate these skills.

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter, up to two pages. Introduce yourself and explain why this postdoctoral opportunity interests you. In addition to describing your relevant experience, address the following:
• What draws you to critical minerals and materials as a research area?
• What perspective, expertise, or way of thinking would you bring to the CM Hub at Duke?
• What is an example of a time you worked across disciplinary boundaries, entered an unfamiliar area, or helped connect people or ideas that are not usually brought together?
• Finally, add something about your interests, motivations, or working style that we would not learn from your CV.
• Career development statement - one page. Describe the career you hope to build, the capabilities or experiences you would like to develop during the postdoctoral appointment, and how this position could help you move toward those goals. We encourage applicants to identify what a successful postdoctoral experience would look like for them.
• Research vision - one page. Identify one or two research questions or opportunities related to critical minerals and materials that you find especially compelling. We are particularly interested in ideas that connect disciplines, methods, or parts of the critical-minerals system. Briefly explain why the question matters, how you might begin approaching it, and what expertise or collaborations would strengthen the work. These ideas are intended to help us understand your creativity and research instincts; they will not be treated as a fixed proposal or commitment.
• Name and contact information for at least three professional references. References will be contacted only at a later stage of the search.

Applicants are welcome to use figures, conceptual diagrams, or other concise visual elements in their statements when these help communicate their ideas.

For questions about this position, please email [email protected] , and someone from our leadership team will respond.

Duke University 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, ethnicity, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke University 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.