Description

The Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Metallurgical Engineering at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. We seek dynamic and innovative candidates committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, who will contribute to our department’s mission of advancing knowledge in mining, metallurgical, and critical minerals engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

Teaching:

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mineral processing, comminution, and extractive metallurgy.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to curriculum development, including the integration of modern technologies, sustainability considerations, and innovative teaching practices.

Research:

Establish a strong, externally funded research program addressing critical challenges in mineral and metallurgical engineering. Preferred research areas include, but are not limited to:

• Mineral Processing and Beneficiation: Comminution, flotation, gravity/magnetic separation, and advanced process modeling.
• Critical Minerals Recovery: Extraction and beneficiation of rare earth elements (REEs), lithium, and other strategic minerals from primary ores, tailings, and recycling streams.
• Hydrometallurgy and Pyrometallurgy: Innovative leaching, solvent extraction, electrochemical methods, and smelting technologies for sustainable metal recovery.
• Process Intensification & Sustainability: Energy- and water-efficient processing, development of enhanced dry processing methods, and reduction of environmental impacts.
• Advanced Process Monitoring & Control: Application of particle tracking, image processing, machine learning, data analytics, and AI to optimize mineral and metallurgical systems.
• Materials and Metallurgical Engineering: Design, characterization, and processing of advanced materials relevant to mining, metallurgy, and resource recovery.
• Secure research grants and publish findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

Service:

• Serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
• Support the department’s strategic initiatives, including program development, accreditation, and community outreach.
• Actively participate in professional societies such as the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME).
• Contribute to journal editorial and peer-review processes.
   

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and externally funded research.
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaborations and industry partnerships.
• Teaching experience in mineral processing, comminution, or metallurgical/process engineering.
• Professional experience in the mining/metallurgical industry; Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is a plus.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service.

Department Information: The University of Nevada, Reno, has a deep-rooted history in mining, dating back 150 years to the Comstock Lode era. The Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, part of the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, has played a central role in the university’s success and Nevada’s economic development. The state, historically known for its gold and silver production, is now a critical player in the sustainable resource sector, boasting seven of the largest lithium deposits in the United States. This positions UNR and the Mackay School at the forefront of modern mining, contributing to the nation's transition toward a sustainable, lithium-powered future. The department remains a hub for students and professionals seeking to advance their careers while shaping the future of responsible resource development. Please find more information here: https://www.unr.edu/mining

For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Tenure---Track-Assistant-Professor--Metallurgical-Engineering_R0149548-1

This job posting will close at 11:59pm PST on March 31, 2026.

EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.