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Engineering a world of possibilities
The Department of Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is seeking applicants for the J. Steven Whisler Endowed Professor of Practice in Mining Engineering. This endowed position was recently established as part of a $7.5M gift from Steve and Ardy Whisler that also established the J. Steven Whisler Chair for the Head of Mining Engineering and the J. Steven Whisler Scholars Program.We seek to hire a faculty member with significant industry experience, who can teach courses in-person and on-line, build industry-Mines connections, and lead new forward-looking strategic initiatives that are critical to the future of the mining industry and that enhance the reputation of our #1 world-ranked mining engineering program (e.g., our pan-university Global Energy Future Initiative).
The successful candidate will have practicalexperience in the mining and minerals industry in technical, operational, and management capacities in one or more of the following fields: surface mining, underground mining, rock mechanics, ventilation, mine plant design, mine design and mineral economics, mine valuation, mine operation, mine management.Additional expertise in one or more of the following fields that integrate with existing department strengths will be an asset and will be viewed favorably: mine automation, robotics, big data, data visualization, machine learning, artificial intelligence, simulation, integration software, space mining sustainable development, critical minerals, ESG, and tailings and mine waste.
Successful candidates will share our mission to address the challenges of creating a sustainable global society, by educating the next generation of engineers and leaders, and by sharing their experiences with our students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. We are especially interested in candidates with a passion to advance the University's and Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver courses to undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and virtual settings, demonstrating teaching excellence.
- Participate in external and international programs including short courses, workshops, and related engagements.
- Support new forward-looking strategic initiatives that are critical to the future of the mining industry and that enhance the reputation of our #1 world-ranked mining engineering program.
- Contribute to the department's external relations program with alumni and industry, including outreach, recruiting, and marketing as appropriate.
- Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students as needed in the capacity of committee member or advisor.
- Cultivate and promote an inclusive and diverse Mines community through recruiting, mentorship, alliance, and service.
Minimum Qualifications
- BSc. in Mining/Minerals Engineering or a related field from an accredited program.
- More than fifteen years of experience with a track record of accomplishments in operation, design, or management and planning directly in the mining/minerals industries.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
The following items will be considered a plus for any applicants, along with other qualifications indicated in the above list:
- An MBA, MSc. or PhD. in Mining/Minerals Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in the development of training and education materials and participation in similar activities.
- Possess a strong network of mining industry professionals.
- A demonstrated record of engagement in professional organizations including publications in trade journals and conference proceedings.
Department Description
Colorado School of Mines has been ranked the #1 Mineral and Mining Engineering Program in the world by QS World University Rankings (2016-2021). The Mining Engineering Department currently has 11 tenured/tenure track faculty spanning mining, mineral processing, metallurgical and civil engineering, geology, and anthropology disciplines, 3 Professors of Practice (two full-time, and one half-time), 4 research faculty, 5 research associates, 6 technical staff, 85 undergraduates, and about 50 graduate students. The Department offers an ABET-accredited B.S. in Mining Engineering and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mining Engineering, Earth Resources Development and Engineering, and Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering, as well as our new online Professional Master's degree in Mining Engineering and Management.We also offer minors in mining engineering, explosive engineering, space mining, and underground construction and tunneling.
The Department is also the home for the Edgar Experimental Mine and the Explosives Research Laboratory at the Idaho Springs campus of the Colorado School of Mines, and the Earth Mechanics Institute on the Golden campus.The Energy, Mining and Construction Industry Safety (EMCIS) training and outreach program also resides in the department.Other resources include state-of-the-art laboratories for mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, equipment for field studies and summer field camp, the Mintec Computer Laboratory for modeling, and a new laboratory for Virtual Reality and Visualization. For more information about the Department of Mining Engineering, visit.
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.
Equal Opportunity
Mines' commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse 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 inequity or concerns for safety.
Annual Rate and Benefits
Mines is offering an academic year salary of around $112,000-$140,000 for this Professor of Practice position depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidates.
Mines also offers additional benefits and amenities, including fully paid health insurance to full-time employees, which is valued at over $12k per year. 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.
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 on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and backup child and elder care. Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to .
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible. For full consideration, applications should be received by March 11, 2024. Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled.
Applications must include: 1) a cover letter stating area of interest, highlighting accomplishments to date, future directions at Mines and how you will interface with the department.; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) statement of teaching; and, 4) a diversity statement
Teaching Statement: Mines is committed to high-quality, hands-on, and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education.
Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Candidates should submit a statement on Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion. Mines is committed to access, inclusion, and diversity and is actively developing a strategic plan to advance Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (for more information visit The diversity and inclusion statement should describe your past experience and should propose concrete research, teaching, and/or service activities that will advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines and beyond.
Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at with any questions about this opportunity.
A Background check will be required upon offer.
Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting
Mines is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.