Events & Opportunities
Establishing a Resilient Manufacturing Supply Chain for Rare Earth Permanent Magnets
Joe Croteau, Vice President for Research and Development, Vulcan Elements
March 18, 2026 | 12pm-1pm | Fitzpatrick Schiciano A
A Duke Materials Institute, Critical Minerals Hub, Office of External Partnerships Seminar. Hosted by Miaofang Chi.
In-Person Only
Bio: Joe Croteau is the Vice President for Research and Development for Vulcan Elements. Joe was previously a research and engineering lead for Kymera International—one of the world’s largest powder metal producers. He has over 15 years of experience in powder metallurgy. He earned his MS in Materials Science and Engineering from Boise State University, where he was a Research Fellow for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Now Accepting Applications! Postdoctoral Associate
Review of the applications will begin January 19, 2026.
The Critical Minerals Hub at Duke is accepting applications for a postdoctoral associate. We are seeking applications from talented researchers that are motivated to work at the nexus of multiple disciplines. This is an opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research and take an active role in connecting across disciplines through participation in Hub activities, including a Bass Connections project.
The postdoctoral associate will co-develop a research project related to critical minerals. Potential project topics are diverse, drawing on expertise of Hub faculty. There will be a primary advisor and co-advisor representing distinct disciplines. The postdoctoral associate will be expected to pursue independent research and lead the presentation of their findings in peer-reviewed publications and in diverse forums (e.g., conferences, seminars). In addition to the primary research project, the individual will be expected to engage in collaborative research, mentoring (graduated and undergraduate students), and education activities related to the Critical Minerals Hub. The postdoctoral associate will gain valuable insights into center-level research and education activities, identify and seek funding for research, build grantsmanship skills, engage with diverse external partners in academia and industry, and gain mentorship from multiple faculties across disciplines.
The successful applicant will possess a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in engineering, material science, geoscience, environmental science, chemistry, industrial ecology, social science or another relevant field with some research experience related to critical minerals. They must be able to communicate the applicability of their prior research experiences to the critical minerals thematic area of the Hub and describe the interdisciplinary importance of these research experiences. Applicants should have an excellent academic record and thrive in a collaborative multidisciplinary research environment. A background and demonstrated experience working at the intersection of disciplines is desired; expressed interest in working at this intersection is required. The candidate should have the ability to and be excited about working in a diverse lab group setting, plan and conduct assessments independently and collaboratively, interpret data, and present results to diverse audiences. Fluency in English (written and oral) is required. Excellent scientific writing skills and the ability to organize data and clearly disseminate findings and scientific concepts are essential.
The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility for extension. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Review of the applications will begin January 19, 2026 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Your application should include a cover letter (be sure to address your fit for the position), curriculum vitae, 1-page statement of your career goals and how this postdoc experience will help you achieve your goals, 1-page description of your proposed interdisciplinary research project, and contact information for at least three references.
For questions pertaining to this position please send an email to criticalminerals@duke.edu and someone from our leadership team will respond.
To apply, visit the job posting on Academic Jobs Online.
Contact: criticalminerals@duke.edu
POSTPONED: Supply Chain Security with Anna Shpitsberg
Supply Chain Security – The Not-So-Quiet Challenge to Energy Growth and its Impact on Policy and Industry
Join us for a discussion on how raw materials and supply chain security rose to the top of national priorities, how rapid cleantech growth intensifies their importance, and what today’s supply chain realities mean for future energy development.
POSTPONED. Check back for a new date & time.
Contact: Erika Weinthal
Past Events
Critical Minerals Hub Networking & Kickoff Event
Oct 3, 2025 | 1pm-3pm | Durham, NC
Science-Based Governance of Critical Minerals
Saleem H. Ali, Chair of the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences and the Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and Environment, University of Delaware.
Sept 16, 2025 | 9am-10am | Grainger Hall 2102
Demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements continues to increase worldwide. But how can countries work together to manage and share resources fairly and sustainably?
This seminar will consider how we can have more science-based approaches to governance of critical minerals with featured speaker Saleem Ali, Chair of the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences and the Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and Environment at the University of Delaware. Ali’s experience in working on various initiatives with the United Nations have led to his recently published paper in Science (along with a U.N. policy brief) on the concept of a ‘minerals trust’ for the green transition.
Bio: Saleem H. Ali is Chair of the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences and the Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and Environment at the University of Delaware. He also serves as Lead for Critical Minerals at the United Nations University and is a member of the United Nations International Resource Panel. His books include Sustainability: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford Univ. Press, 2025); Soil to Foil: Aluminum and the Quest for Industrial Sustainability (Columbia University Press, 2023); and Earthly Order: How Natural Laws Define Human Life (Oxford Univ. Press, 2022).
This event is part of the UPEP Environmental Institutions Seminar Series, organized by the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability and the University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP), a doctoral degree program jointly offered by the Nicholas School of the Environment and Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. It is co-sponsored by the Duke Critical Minerals Hub.
For more information, visit the NIEES calendar listing.
Contact: Erika Weinthal
The Geopolitics of Critical Minerals Supply Chain
Clara Park, senior research political scientist, and Kyle Beardsley, professor of political science, will present research addressing how the critical minerals supply chain shapes US-China relations. They’ll also identify some of the vulnerabilities and strategies to enhance resilience.
September 9, 2025 | 12pm-1:30pm
Sanford 223 Rhodes Conference Room
Light lunch provided
Sponsored by the Duke Center for International Development, Triangle Institute for Security Studies, and the Department of Political Science.
Recent Progress on Batteries (Mainly Li and Na)
Aug 27, 2025 | 12pm-1pm | Fitzpatrick Schiciano A
DMI/MEMS Seminar, hosted by Miaofang Chi
Dr. John Zhang and Dr. Wenbin Yin
Celgard, LLC, Charlotte, NC
Clean energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and electric energy storage (ESS) are becoming increasingly common topics of discussion worldwide, alongside technologies like cell phones and notebook PCs. At the heart of these advancements are batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, which play a critical and essential role. In this talk, we will begin with an overview of the fundamentals of lithium-ion batteries, followed by a discussion of current trends in battery systems. We will then discuss the key components, i.e. cathode, anode, and electrolyte, before moving on to separators, which will be presented by Wenbin Yin. Next, we will address liquid battery safety mechanisms and conclude with a discussion on solid-state electrolyte batteries and their associated safety considerations.
Bios:
Dr. Zhang is the CTO/CSO of Polypore International (Celgard)/Asahi Kasei. He received IBA (International Battery Association) Technology Award 2024 for his invention of Ceramic Coated Separator and Outstanding Contribution in Understanding of Internal Shorts Events of Li-ion Cells that lead the broad application of Ceramic Coated Separator (CCS). This technology has made a significant contribution to the evolution of humanity (SVP/CTO Panasonic). He is recognized as the leading authority on lithium-ion battery safety and separators. Through IEEE, he leads in establishing lithium-ion battery industry standards (P1625, P1725). John pioneered the Sulfide SSE with ~ 40 papers (1984-1991). He has chaired and/or organized more than 60 international conferences and delivered more than 120 invited keynote or plenary speeches at various international conferences. John has published more than 300 patents, papers, and books. John received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He also attended Sloan School of MIT.
Dr. Yin is a Senior Research Engineer and R&D Coating Team Leader at Celgard, where he spearheads advanced coating technologies for next-generation lithium battery separators. Holding both of MS and Ph.D. in Polymer Science from the University of Akron, he has 10+ years of research experience in energy storage materials, specializing in high-performance coated separators, solid-state electrolytes, and fuel cell innovation. His work bridges fundamental science and industrial applications, with 30+ granted patents and publications advancing the field.
For more information, visit the DMI calendar listing.
Contact: Liana Igescu | liana.igescu@duke.edu
