Coleraine-Associate Research Scientist Mineral Processing & Metallurgy

University of Georgia- FACS; Minnesota; On-site; USD 85,710 - 133,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement contribution

Paid vacation

Tuition reimbursement

Health care benefits

Wellbeing program

Disability insurance

Merit increases

Professional development

Job summary

The NRRI Coleraine Lab at the University of Minnesota seeks an early‑career professional in mineral processing and metallurgy to design, lead, and execute research projects from bench to industrial scale. You will apply process mineralogy/geo‑metallurgy, comminution, flotation, and pyrometallurgy methods, review data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to clients and peers.

The role includes proposal drafting, client engagement, collaboration with TechOps and QEHST, and on‑site work

Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with complex projects at bench, pilot, or industrial scale.
• Excellent data analysis and communication (oral and written) skills.
• Experience in proposal writing and client engagement is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, lead, and execute research tasks in mineral processing & metallurgy.
• Oversee day-to-day lab- and pilot-scale work with technicians and operations teams.
• Review data quality, contribute to reports and publications, and present findings to clients and peers.
• Engage with industry partners, develop scopes of work, and support funding proposals.

Skills

Data analysis

Written & oral communication

Project leadership

Education

MS in Mineral Processing / Metallurgy / related field

Job description

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

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.

What you’ll be doing:

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.

What you'll need:

• 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.
• WORK Environment: Onsite in Coleraine, Minnesota

SALARY RANGE: $85,710.31 - $133,194.80 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

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.

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