Job Description

Engineering a world of possibilities

Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join VERTEX and contribute to one or more of our active research thrusts in advanced drilling modeling, wellbore integrity, and subsurface energy applications. This is a high-autonomy role designed for a researcher ready to lead their own work while collaborating closely with the PI, graduate students, and external partners.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the direction of ongoing projects, develop novel modeling frameworks, and contribute directly to the translation of research findings into practical tools for the energy industry. This role offers significant exposure to field-relevant problems, real-world datasets, and the growing network of VERTEX’s industry and institutional collaborators.

About the VERTEX Research Group

VERTEX (Visionary Energy Research in Technological Drilling & Exploration) is an interdisciplinary research group in the Petroleum Engineering Department at Colorado School of Mines, led by Dr. Mohamed Shafik Khaled (https://people.mines.edu/vertex/). Our mission is to advance the science and engineering of subsurface energy systems, spanning hydrocarbons, geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, and space exploration, through rigorous research that bridges fundamental physics with data-driven innovation.

The group's research integrates scientific machine learning, experimental drilling mechanics, and subsurface characterization to bridge the gap between drilling engineering and geoscience, developing tools that are scientifically rigorous and operationally actionable, from real-time downhole temperature monitoring and intelligent fracture detection to wellbore integrity assessment and geothermal resource evaluation. We work closely with industry partners, national laboratories, and academic collaborators to ensure our models are validated against real-world data and built to perform under field conditions.

Primary Responsibilities

Research Leadership

• Lead and independently conduct research in advanced drilling modeling, with emphasis on physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), hybrid physics-data models, and agentic AI frameworks for real-time drilling decision support
• Evaluate wellbore integrity across legacy hydrocarbon assets and assess their technical and economic feasibility for repurposing as geothermal systems, CO₂ storage wells, or hydrogen storage facilities
• Develop and apply AI-assisted signal processing workflows (e.g., continuous wavelet transform) for automated fracture detection and formation characterization from drilling data

Scientific Communication & Collaboration

• Author and co-author of peer-reviewed journal articles; present findings at national and international conferences
• Develop and release software and reproducible analysis pipelines in support of the group’s open-science principles
• Actively contribute to proposal development and help identify new funding opportunities aligned with VERTEX’s research agenda
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, industry partners, and national laboratory researchers; represent VERTEX at external meetings and workshops

Mentorship & Lab Operations

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research methods, scientific writing, and professional development
• Support the maintenance of a safe, productive, and inclusive laboratory environment
• Assist with manuscript preparation, data management, and the development of shared laboratory workflows and documentation

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, geosciences, computer science, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred before the start date)
• Demonstrated research expertise in at least two of the following: drilling engineering, subsurface modeling, wellbore integrity, rock mechanics, or formation evaluation
• Strong programming proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB; experience with scientific computing, data analysis pipelines, or numerical modeling
• Peer-reviewed publication record demonstrating the ability to conduct and communicate independent research
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team environment

Preferred

• Experience with agentic AI, physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), machine learning for physical systems, or other hybrid modeling approaches
• Familiarity with wellbore integrity analysis, cement evaluation, or casing integrity modeling
• Background in geothermal energy development, CO₂ geological storage (CCUS), or energy transition applications of subsurface engineering
• Experience with signal processing techniques (e.g., wavelet transforms, spectral analysis) applied to drilling or subsurface data
• Prior experience mentoring students or contributing to collaborative, multi-institutional research projects

What We Offer

Joining VERTEX means becoming part of a dynamic, forward-looking research group at one of the nation’s top engineering universities, with direct access to impactful, industry-relevant problems and a strong mentorship culture. Specific research/laboratory benefits include:

• Direct mentorship from Dr. Khaled in a collaborative, hands-on research environment with strong ties to industry and national laboratory partners.
• Access to VERTEX’s experimental drilling laboratory and computational resources, as well as Colorado School of Mines’ institutional HPC infrastructure.​
• Active industry and national laboratory collaborations, providing networking opportunities and pathways for technology translation.

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Annual Rate

$65,000 - $70,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Research Faculty positions!

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care options

• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

• Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits

How to Apply

For full consideration, applications should be received by June 30, 2026. The target start date is August 2026, with flexibility for an early 2027 start for the right candidate. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Applications must be submitted online and should include:

• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) describing your motivation to join VERTEX, your long-term research goals, and why this position is the right fit for the next stage of your career.
• Curriculum vitae (maximum 5 pages) includes a full list of publications and contact information for at least three references.
• Research statement (maximum 2 pages) summarizing your previous research experience and articulating how your work connects to and can advance VERTEX's research, with a focus on advanced drilling modeling, subsurface formation characterization from drilling data, and wellbore integrity.

For questions about the application process, contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu.

Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting