POST DOCTORAL FELLOW - Mining and Explosives Engineering #00096410

Mining and Explosives Engineering

The Geomechanics Laboratory at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is seeking a postdoctoral fellow in the area of Rock Mechanics. The Geomechanics group at Missouri S&T works on a wide range of fundamental and applied aspects of rock mechanics. Our main focus areas are field and laboratory characterization of geomaterials and rock masses, instrumentation design, instrumentation and analysis of rock engineering sites, and numerical modeling of underground excavations and rock slopes. Our research includes active collaborations with industry, universities, and government research agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in a related field (mining engineering, civil engineering, petroleum engineering, or other related fields)
• Solid background in geomechanics and strong interest in experimental work
• Experience in developing numerical models drawing on the in-depth theoretical understanding of numerical methods, including 3D finite difference, distinct element, finite element
• Experience with preparation and laboratory testing of rock samples
• Excellent written and communication skills as demonstrated by a record of peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations at conferences and meetings
• Experience in preparation of proposals and technical reports

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one of the following areas:
  • Modeling and simulation of pore-scale multiphase fluid flow and reactive transport in fractured and porous media.
  • Modeling of coupled THMC processes
  • Prior research experience in the area of underground geologic storage of hydrogen
  • Numerical modeling and laboratory/field testing of geomaterials under high strain-rate loading conditions
  • Simulation of hypervelocity impacts
• Excellent computer programming skills (C++ and Python)
• Experience with constitutive model development
• Application of optical fiber sensos for strain and/or temperature measurements
• Familiarity with fundamental concepts of thermo-chemo-mechanical properties of rocks and cementitious materials

Posted until filled.

The expected starting date for the appointment is October 20, 2025. The appointment is for one year with the possibility of extension based on the candidate's satisfactory performance and funding availability.

University Information
Missouri S&T is one of the nation's leading research universities with over 100-degree programs in 39 disciplines. It was founded in 1870 as one of the first technological institutions west of the Mississippi River. Located about 100 miles west of St. Louis in the vibrant community of Rolla, Missouri S&T is an accessible, safe, and friendly campus surrounded by Ozarks' scenery. Missouri S&T offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, humanities, and business, with M.S. and Ph.D. programs available in many of the science and engineering programs. With over 7,000 students and 300 faculty, Missouri S&T is big enough to accommodate a broad population, yet small enough for individuals to build high visibility and impactful careers.

KUMMER COLLEGE
Established in 2022, The Kummer College serves as a pathbreaking model for social impact, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a future-oriented STEM-focused university. Supported by the Kummer Institute Foundation at Missouri S&T, this unique college integrates key academic, co-curricular, and administrative activities related to technology commercialization, business innovation and entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and economic development. Within The Kummer College lives several departments: Department of Business and Information Technology (BIT), Department of Economics, Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE), Kummer Student Programs and the Division of Technology Transfer and Economic Development (TTED).

COLLEGE of ENGINEERING & COMPUTING (CEC)
Missouri S&T's College of Engineering and Computing is the largest of three colleges at S&T, accounting for approximately 80% of the total enrollment (about 4,500 undergraduates and 800 graduate students). The college includes more than 170 ranked faculty members who serve in 16 undergraduate programs, all with master's and doctoral equivalents organized into nine academic departments. The college recently added a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and a Ph.D. in bioengineering, both starting in fall 2024. Missouri S&T, supported by the College of Engineering and Computing, is nationally recognized for its career outcomes and ROI.

COLLEGE of ARTS, SCIENCES, & EDUCATION (CASE)
The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education is a catalyst of innovation, creativity, and discovery, where students and faculty work side-by-side to create and share knowledge and understanding. From arts and humanities to the natural and social sciences, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education has a program for everyone. The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE) is made up of eleven units including Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, Arts, Languages and Philosophy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, English and Technical Communication, History and Political Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Psychological Science, and Education. The college is home to over 90 tenured/tenure-track and 44 non-tenure-track faculty members. CASE offers more than 85 different academic options including certificates, minors, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

About Rolla
Rolla, Missouri offers several great advantages that help individuals enjoy a high quality of life. Rolla is an ideal place for families, with its low cost of living, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. The Ozark Scenic Riverways and beautiful landscapes offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of every lifestyle. With its vibrant community, Rolla hosts multiple events, concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances throughout the year. The university's Leach Theatre showcases nationally renowned performers for campus and community alike. Overall, living in Rolla offers a high quality of life with a supportive community, affordable living, beautiful natural surroundings, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734.