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Postdoctoral Associate in Bioinspired Materials for Earth & Space Construction

Requisition Number:

64396

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

04-Jun-2025

Date Posted:

14-May-2025

Job Summary

The Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering and the Materials Science and Engineering Program at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in the Living Materials Laboratory under the supervision of Prof. Wil Srubar. In concert with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the United States Geological Survey, which are also located in the area, the University of Colorado provides an outstanding, world-class environment for conducting advanced materials science research at the bleeding edge.

A highly motivated and independent scholar is sought with training and deep expertise the areas of materials chemistry and microstructural characterization. The Postdoctoral Associate will design and conduct advanced materials characterization experiments pertaining to bioinspired materials for earth and space construction. When appropriate, the Postdoctoral Associate will design new experimental protocols to advance specialized experimentation and materials characterization techniques related to the structure, function, and properties of earth and space materials. The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to contribute to enhancing the vision and mission of a vibrant, cross-disciplinary collaborative research team at the University of Colorado Boulder at the intersection of biology, materials science, and civil and architectural engineering.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The fields of civil, environmental and architectural engineering offer careers in planning, design, construction and management of the built environment as well as in the interaction between the built and natural environment. The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering's mission is the education of undergraduate and graduate students to become leaders in the professional practice of engineering, contributing to technological advances that benefit humankind while enhancing the earth’s physical and biological resources.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Design and conduct fundamental materials science experiments in support of project goals and milestones.
  • Collect, prepare, and analyze data for publication in high-quality scientific journals.
  • Work collaboratively with a diverse, interdisciplinary team of graduate students, research scientists, internal and external to the University of Colorado Boulder.
  • Assist in drafting and reviewing project technical reports.
  • Supervise, train, and mentor other laboratory personnel.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range associated with this position is $70,000 - $72,000. Relocation assistance may be available in accordance with College and Campus policy.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be excited. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • PhD in civil engineering, materials science, environmental engineering, aerospace engineering, geology, chemical engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong technical foundation and experience in standard and advanced lab-scale materials synthesis and characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD, XRF, TGA, FTIR, zeta potential, particle size analysis, and mechanical testing) for organic and inorganic materials.
  • Excellent technical writing skills, as evidenced by multiple high-quality peer-reviewed publications.

What You Will Need

  • Ability to work independently and possess a strong passion for (and commitment to) sustainability and interdisciplinary research.
  • High motivation for mentorship, project management, and collaboration.

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Experience in biostabilization and/or biomineralization of clays and other granular materials.
  • Experience in cement chemistry and characterization of cementitious materials.
  • Experience in basic microbiology techniques.
  • Experience in organic/inorganic interactions.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Current Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. List of References: to be used for phone reference checks. Please provide names and contact information for three or more references who may be contacted.
  4. (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of PhD: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.
During the application process you will separately be asked to provide contact information for one reference, from whom we will request a letter of recommendation immediately following the submission or your completed application. This person may be someone who was included on your List of References document.

Please apply by June 4, 2025 for full consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email.  For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu