Minerals Processing & Metallurgy - Minerals Process Research

This is an 80% time position.

Responsible for overseeing multiple complex projects/tasks and teams related to minerals processing & metallurgy research. Support PIs on research tasks within a large grant-funded research projects and manage Business & Industry projects and clients. Possess in-depth subject matter knowledge of minerals processing & extractive metallurgy, especially in the field of comminution; bench- and pilot-scale process flowsheet design; and pilot plant design and operation. Creates project plans in concert with teams ensuring that resources and staff are in place to meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements. Decisions are guided by policies, procedures, and business plan; receives minimal guidance and oversight from the manager. This position will support the entire industrial work site with highly varied work and unpredictable situations that arise.

Responsibilities

Support Strategic Research Projects and Programs-30%

• Apply specialized skill sets in support of Institute initiatives and research group projects and programs, specifically related to mineral processing & metallurgy with a particular focus in comminution, bench-scale testing and process flowsheet design, and pilot plant design and operation.
• Conduct research investigations from experimental design to interpretation of experimental results.
• Evaluate, suggest alternate methods, modify or develop new procedures and techniques to aid in the investigation of a total research problem or project.
• Plan and execute research projects and tasks.
• Monitor and control projects to scope, schedule, and budget.
  

Subject Matter Expertise - 25%

• Remain current on technological and scientific developments in the field of minerals, materials, and comminution.
• Carry out complex calculations and propose and justify analytical methods and data collection systems.
• Assist in drafting large proposals to procure research funding.
• Provide technical support to taconite plants, industry and agencies to deliver recommendations aimed at improving unit performance.
• Ensure quality of research data and analyze data and preparation of reports and papers on results of the work including peer reviewed journals.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior scientists and technicians as necessary

Business Development, Client Management, and Project Management - 20%

• Lead in Client Management for Business & Industry-funded projects.
• Develop scopes of work and deliver proposals to clients.
• Apply new developments within the field of specialty to experimental plans.
• Prepare research for presentation at relevant industry conferences.
• Actively participate in relevant industry conferences.
  

Operational Functions - 15%

• Support Research Group strategy and associated strategic objectives on a technical and non-technical basis through Operational workflow improvements and promoting development of organizational culture.
• Modifies practices and procedures to improve quality.
• Explores ways to better achieve end results through scheduling work steps, arranging/re-arranging the way work is performed.
• Streamline current test methods and procedures - add or delete elements of processes as necessary.
• Formulates and implements short- and long-range goals for the operation of the lab, as a PI, including determination of scientific techniques, use of equipment, and administrative procedures; may supervise exempt and non-exempt staff.
  

Other duties as assigned - 10%

Required Qualifications:

• BS in metallurgy, minerals, materials, chemical engineering, or related field plus at least 8 years of relevant experience or advanced degree plus at least six years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• 3+ years of industrial and/or engineering experience in comminution
• 3+ years of industrial experience in processing of ferrous and/or non-ferrous ores.
• Prior experience working in diverse teams, being able to collaborate respectfully with staff of various educational and cultural backgrounds and ability to appropriately navigate complex team dynamics.
• Strong communication (oral, written) and interpersonal skills.
• Valid US driver's license with a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS in metallurgy, minerals, materials, engineering, business management, or related field plus at least six years of relevant experience.

Physical Environment Demands
May be required to wear respirators at times based upon the material being processed; will require annual respirator fit testing. This person will work in an industrial environment and will need to lift up to 50 lbs, carry, and handle chemicals.

The individual will possess excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills as they must interact professionally with a broad range of colleagues, clients and stakeholders. As a researcher, the individual represents both the Institute and the University of Minnesota in all professional activities.
The researcher will direct and supervise the work of others in project activities; strong leadership skills are required to achieve goals.

About NRRI Coleraine Labs:
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 Range: $80,000 - $92,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

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.

For a completed application, please include a resume and cover letter. Finalists will be asked to provide references.

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

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

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.

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 Report's "America's 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 UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).