Postdoctoral Researcher - High-Temperature 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

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.