Postdoctoral Researcher: Rock Mechanics & Downhole Sensing

VS-Postdoc; Rapid City (SD); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota Mines in Rapid City invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in geology and rock mechanics to support a DOE project on advanced sensing and characterization for critical minerals.

The role leads experimental rock mechanics work, block-scale laboratory testing, and mechanical development of sensing tool prototypes in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. This is a full-time, benefited position.

Qualifications

• A PhD 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.

Responsibilities

• Design, prepare, and characterize synthetic rock blocks for controlled laboratory 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.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Lab design

Data acquisition

Communication

Instrumentation

Education

PhD in geological engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

South Dakota Mines in Rapid City invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in geology and rock mechanics to support a DOE project on advanced sensing and characterization for critical minerals.

The role leads experimental rock mechanics work, block-scale laboratory testing, and mechanical development of sensing tool prototypes in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. This is a full-time, benefited position.