Post-Doctoral Fellow, VERTEX

Postdoctoral Researcher Opportunity at Colorado School of Mines

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. 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