Sr. Research Scientist – Mineral Processing & Metallurgy

About the Department

Situated near Minnesota’s minerals and forestry resource-based industries, NRRI’s Coleraine Lab is a world-renowned center for minerals and biomass conversion and their connections to land, forest, and water resources. NRRI Coleraine possesses the facilities, equipment, and highly qualified staff to conduct applied research for private and public sector clients in Minnesota, North America and around the world. The lab has a wide range of equipment for conducting studies at both laboratories (grams/pounds) and pilot scales (tons). Laboratory and pilot scale capabilities include mineral characterization, mineral processing, metallurgy, and biomass conversion to energy and agronomic products.

About the position:

Principal Investigator research position responsible for the genesis, planning, oversight and execution of one or more complex research programs, potentially spanning several years of investigation. The successful candidate must have significant industrial/business experience and subject matter expertise in process mineralogy/geo-metallurgy, minerals processing, extractive metallurgy, chemical engineering, or material science at bench, pilot, and industrial scales.  Knowledge base should address both ferrous and non-ferrous primary and secondary mineral resources in an applied and/or industrial research context. This role requires a demonstrated record of successful research program creation and leadership with attraction of funding, a record of peer-reviewed publications, reports and presentations, an ability to both lead and contribute to ongoing research programs, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This position will collaborate with NRRI senior leadership to direct research activities, personnel and capabilities as required to achieve institute strategic objectives. 

This position leverages Institute policies and procedures and applies project management skills with their technical expertise to manage research activities with minimal guidance.

What you’ll be doing:

1. Develop, Design, and Oversee the Execution of Complex Research Tasks and Projects (40%)

• Design, plan, fund and lead complex research projects within a mineral processing & metallurgy program as Principal Investigator (PI).
• Build a research program and lead a team to conduct research investigations from experimental design to interpretation and reporting of experimental data.
• Ensure quality of research data and analyzing data and preparation of reports and manuscripts on results of the work including technical reports to clients and peer reviewed journals, primarily as lead author.
• Actively participate and disseminate research data and findings at conferences, symposiums, and summits.
• Interact with various agencies to acquire and interpret data, develop novel methods for analyzing data using programming, model building, and database development and management.
• Safely execute research tasks in collaboration with Technical Operations (TechOps) and Quality, Environmental, Health, Safety, and Training (QEHST).
• Participate in QEHST documentation and processes, including writing/reviewing Work Instructions (WIs) and leading or supporting Management of Change (MOC) and Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) processes.
• Provide technical support to industry partner operations and agencies to provide performance recommendations.

2. Attracting Funding and Business Development (30%)

• Lead large proposal efforts to procure research funding from internal and external funding sources, such as funding opportunities from the US Department of Energy (DOE), US Department of War (DoW), National Science Foundation (NSF), State of Minnesota, etc.
• Engage in client management for Business & Industry-funded projects and new opportunities in collaboration with the Partnership Office.
• Develop complex scopes of work and deliver proposals to clients.

3. Technical Subject Matter Expertise (20%)

• Discuss and plan new avenues of investigation.
• Apply new developments within the field of specialty to experimental plans.
• Conduct complex simulations and calculations.
• Evaluate, suggest alternate methods, modify or develop new procedures and techniques to aid in the investigation.
• Remain current on technological and scientific developments in the field of minerals and metallurgy.
• Provide mentorship to staff and associate scientists and metallurgical technicians.

4. Other duties as assigned (10%)

• Other duties and assignments that are not specifically described within this job description may be assigned to the role as normal conduct of business and that are appropriate for the role.

Physical/Environmental Demands: 
May be required to wear respirators at times based upon the material being processed; will require annual respirator fit testing.

What you'll need:

• Terminal degree (PhD) in Process Mineralogy/Geo-metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Geology or related field with four or more years of relevant experience.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, patents, and/or presentations.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert in one of the following fields: process mineralogy/geo-metallurgy, minerals processing, extractive metallurgy, chemical engineering, or material science.
• Demonstrated experience conceptualizing, developing and executing complex, multi-year research programs.

WORK Environment: Onsite in Coleraine, Minnesota

SALARY RANGE: $97,477.79 -$143,683.55 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

For a full job description, click "Apply" to visit the UMN career site.

https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/374304

What we provide (P&A):

• University contributed (10% of your salary) to your retirement account - vested immediately.
• Twenty-two paid vacation days per year, in addition to sick leave and 11 paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities cover 75% - 100% of eligible tuition.
• Excellent and affordable health care benefits.
• Wellbeing Program (reduction in annual premiums). 
• Free disability insurance.
• Annual merit increase program.
• Many professional development opportunities. 

Click here for more information: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Working-U-M 
 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu