Coleraine-Associate Research Scientist - Mineral Processing & Metallurgy

About the Job

NRRI Organizational Job Title: -Coleraine-Associate Research Scientist - Mineral Processing & Metallurgy -9791MS - Salary range =$85,710.31 to $133,194.88 - up to 3 hires

About the Job summary:

Early career professional experienced in mineral processing and metallurgy, with strong skill sets related to process mineralogy/geo-metallurgy, comminution, beneficiation (flotation and physical separation), pyrometallurgy and/or hydrometallurgy at bench, pilot, and industrial scales. Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and oversee complex research projects from experimental planning through data analysis, modeling, preparation of technical reports and publications, and delivery of high-quality communications to both industry and academic audiences. Adept at developing innovative methods/procedures, conducting simulations, and providing technical support to optimize plant performance. Experience in proposal writing and business & industry client engagement

Decisions are guided by policies, procedures, and business plans; and receive guidance and oversight from the manager.

Job Duties:

1. Develop, Design, and Oversee the Execution of Complex Research Tasks and Projects (60%)

• Under the guidance/supervision of a principal Investigator, design, plan, lead, and execute research projects or significant tasks within large programs related to mineral processing & metallurgy, specifically in the areas of comminution, beneficiation, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and process mineralogy/geo-metallurgy.
• Lead quality review and interpretation of experimental data under the guidance/supervision of a PI.
• Contribute to reports and manuscripts including technical reports to clients and peer reviewed journals, primarily as secondary author.
• Oversee day-to-day execution of lab- and pilot-scale tasks in collaboration with technicians and operations teams, including managing data and project-specific test materials and equipment.
• Define and execute research tasks in the Work Order (WO) system 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 (10%)

• Assist in drafting large proposals to procure research funding.
• Engage in client management for Business & Industry-funded projects and new opportunities in collaboration with the Partnership Development Office.
• Develop scopes of work and deliver proposals to clients.

3. Technical Subject Matter Expertise (20%)

• Discuss and plan new avenues of investigation.
• 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 technical guidance to research and operations teams.

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:

• Advanced degree (MS) in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Geology or related field with one or more years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in executing complex projects at bench, pilot, and/or industrial scale.
• Excellent data analysis and communication (oral and written) skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (PhD) in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Geology or related field with one or more years of relevant experience OR MS with five or more years of relevant experience.
• Two or more years of relevant mineral processing and metallurgical industrial experience.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, patents, and presentations.
• 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: $85,710.31 - $133,194.8 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.