Sr. Research Scientist - Mineral Processing & Metallurgy

About the Job

NRRI Organizational Job Title: Sr. Research Scientist - Mineral Processing & Metallurgy - 9792MS - Salary Range = $97,477.79 -$143,683.55

About the Job summary:

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.

Job Duties:

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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (PhD) in Process Mineralogy/Geo-metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Geology or related field with six or more years of relevant research experience.
• Four or more years of industrial mineral processing and metallurgical experience.
• Demonstrated experience with data management and commercial modeling and simulation software, e.g., JKSimMet, JKSimFloat, METSIM, USIM PAC, HSC Chemistry, FactSage, etc.
• Demonstrated experience with mineralogical identification and quantification via conventional analytical methods, including optical microscopy, chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and automated mineralogy systems.

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.

Pay and Benefits

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

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Reports "Americas Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMDs many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.