NRRI Duluth/Coleraine Lab - Post-Doc – High-Temperature Extractive Metallurgy

University of Minnesota; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays and vacation

Tuition benefit program

Medical and dental plans

Retirement plans

PSLF opportunity

Employee assistance program

Job summary

University of Minnesota’s NRRI Duluth/Coleraine Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in high-temperature extractive metallurgy. The role focuses on experimental research, process development, and dissemination of findings through publications and presentations.

The candidate will mentor technicians, contribute to sponsored proposals, and support lab safety, maintenance, and project coordination in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering, materials science, extractive metallurgy, chemical engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in high-temperature metallurgical processing and thermal reaction systems.
• Experience with furnace operation, reduction/oxidation, smelting studies, thermal analysis, and metallurgical characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated record of independent research through peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research in high-temperature metallurgical processing, including thermal treatment, reduction, oxidation, smelting, alloy processing, and recycling studies.
• Develop processes and design experiments, perform materials characterization, and interpret metallurgical reaction behavior and process performance.
• Prepare peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and contribute to sponsored research proposals.
• Mentor technicians engaged in related research activities.
• Assist with laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, safety practices, and project coordination activities.

Skills

Laboratory research

High-temperature processing

Furnace operation

Thermal analysis

Metallurgical characterization

Peer‑reviewed publications

Education

Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering

Tools

XRD

SEM-EDS/EPMA

ICP-OES

ICP-MS

TGA/DSC

Heating microscopy

Job description

About the Job

NRRI Duluth/Coleraine Lab - Post-Doc - High-Temperature Extractive Metallurgy
Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Salary: $75,000 – $80,000 per year, based on education, qualifications, and experience
Location: Duluth, MN

Job Duties

• Conduct experimental research in high-temperature metallurgical processing, including thermal treatment, reduction, oxidation, smelting, alloy processing, and recycling studies (55%).
• Develop processes and design experiments, perform materials characterization, and interpret metallurgical reaction behavior and process performance (20%).
• Prepare peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and contribute to sponsored research proposals (15%).
• Mentor technicians engaged in related research activities (5%).
• Assist with laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, safety practices, and project coordination activities (5%).

Physical and Environmental Demands

This role involves regular work in a chemistry and electrochemistry laboratory environment. The incumbent will handle hazardous materials (acids, bases, molten salts, solvents, and reactive metals) and must comply with safety protocols, use personal protective equipment, and adhere to University and NRRI laboratory safety standards. Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, handling laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and lifting materials up to 25 lbs.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering, materials science, extractive metallurgy, chemical engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience in high‑temperature metallurgical processing and thermal reaction systems.
• Experience with furnace operation, reduction/oxidation, smelting studies, thermal analysis, and metallurgical characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated record of independent research through peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pyrometallurgy, recycling of metallic materials, alloy processing, or critical materials recovery.
• Familiarity with high‑temperature reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and process optimization.
• Experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM‑EDS/EPMA, ICP OES/MS, TGA/DSC, heating microscopy or related methods.
• Knowledge of thermodynamic and process simulation tools such as FactSage, HSC Chemistry, Met Sim or related software.
• Technical proficiency in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific instrumentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary research and industrial teams.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers in laboratory or pilot‑scale research environments.

Pay & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 – $80,000 per year; 100% appointment; Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff position. Benefits include:

• 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 counseling sessions at no cost.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The University of Minnesota is committed to equal opportunity and encourages diversity and inclusion. We provide equal access to opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For more information about diversity at the University, visit http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify applicants.