Research Professional 2 - Chemical Engineering - Professor Bruggeman

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 48,216 - 60,614; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Tuition benefit

Health plan

Retirement plan

Wellbeing program

PSLF opportunity

Job summary

University of Minnesota seeks a one-year full-time temporary researcher focused on lab studies of iron oxide reduction with H2. The goal is to develop an electrified microwave hydrogen plasma process to replace blast furnace technology.

Work involves reactor assembly, data analysis, and safe lab operations at East Bank campus. Salary ranges from $34.82 to $44.00 per hour, with a 40-hour work week and no H-1B sponsorship.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical technologies; 2+ years' relevant experience or 6 years total work/education mix.
• Laboratory experience with general lab techniques and safety procedures.
• Experience with heat exchangers, condensers, filtration, combustion or reactor design.
• Ability to plan, execute, and analyze experiments and maintain records.
• Some programming experience with Excel, Matlab or LabVIEW.
• Data analysis skills with statistics basics.
• Strong problem solving and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, build and test plasma iron ore reduction reactors (60%).
• Design reactor setups and experiments; plan and perform analyses; solve routine problems.
• Data analysis and reporting; run materials analyses; document protocols and data.
• Order supplies and manage experimental equipment; set up projects.
• Support lab safety and assist in maintaining safe operation procedures.
• Other duties as assigned (5%).

Skills

Experiment planning

Data analysis

Programming basics

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

B.S. in chemical engineering

Tools

Excel

Matlab

LabVIEW

Job description

About the Job

This is a one-year full-time temporary posted position. It is possible this position might be extended for a second year depending on satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and/or work for the position, and meeting standard University employment requirements.

In this position the research will focus on lab studies and analysis of iron oxide reduction with H2. The goal is to develop a fully electrified microwave hydrogen plasma process to replace blast furnace technology. The proposed approach uses microwaves to generate an ionized hydrogen gas that supplies significant gas heating at ambient pressures. The technology will use blast furnace and direct reduction grade iron ore concentrates, eliminating the emissions associated with the palletization, sintering, and cokemaking steps in the conventional blast furnace process.

Work Environment: In person at the University of Minnesota, East Bank campus

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday
• 40 hours per week

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job duties

Assembly, building and testing of plasma iron ore reduction reactors (60%)

• Assist in designing reactor setups and experiments
• Independently plan and perform experimental analyses
• Find solutions to routine technical or operational problems.

Data analysis and Reporting (20%)

• Run materials analyses
• Record experimental protocols and data
• Assist in the organization and interpretation of the results
• Work with team to prepare data and findings
• Support PI in grant reporting

Supplies and Materials Ordering (10%)

• Oversee use of experimental equipment and maintain it as needed.
• Prepare experimental apparatus and materials preparations by purchasing equipment and supplies
• Organize equipment and set up projects

Lab safety (5%)

• Support PI to maintain lab safety
• Interact with safety offer to implement and document safe operation procedures

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• BS/BA (in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical technologies preferred) plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years
• Laboratory/research experience; some familiarity with general lab techniques and safety procedures; some experience in reactor design/assembly
• Experience with heat exchangers, condensors, filtration, combustion and/or chemical reactor design.
• Ability to plan, execute, and analyze experiments - including explaining lab techniques and proposing safety procedures, maintaining lab records
• Some programming experience (Excel, Matlab, Labview, etc)
• Data analysis skills (Excel), including some understanding of statistics, e.g. error bounds.
• Problem solving skills (logic, not just math)
• Suitable chemistry background; basic understanding of mass and heat transport processes; ability to learn from and use literature
• Ability to work in a team setting.

Preferred qualifications

Some familiarity and interest in developing skills in:

• simple lab mechanical maintenance and repairs;
• chemical analysis methods;
• characterization techniques like mass spectroscopy, light microscopy (having SEM & XRD skills is a plus);
• safety issues in working in a hood with solid particles and various gases.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $34.82 - $44.00 per hour; 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

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

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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.