Sr. Research Scientist – Mineral Processing & Metallurgy

University of Minnesota; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 97,477 - 143,683; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Low-cost medical plans

Education benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Sr. Research Scientist in Mineral Processing & Metallurgy. This role focuses on developing and overseeing complex research initiatives while attracting funding from various sources.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD and significant experience in mineral processing or related fields. Responsibilities include leading research investigations, reporting findings, and mentoring junior staff.

Comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary range of approximately $97,477 to $143,683 annually are offered.

Qualifications

• PhD in Process Mineralogy/Geo-metallurgy or related field with 4+ years experience.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, reports, and presentations.
• Experience in executing complex multi-year research programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee complex research tasks in mineral processing.
• Attract funding for research projects from various agencies.
• Provide mentorship and subject matter expertise to junior staff.

Skills

Process mineralogy/geo-metallurgy

Extractive metallurgy

Chemical engineering

Material science

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

METSIM

X-ray diffraction (XRD)

Optical microscopy

Job description

Job Title

Sr. Research Scientist - Mineral Processing & Metallurgy (9792MS)

Salary Range: $97,477.79 - $143,683.55 per year

Overview

Principal Investigator research position responsible for the genesis, planning, oversight and execution of one or more complex research programs, potentially spanning several years of investigation. The successful candidate must have significant industrial/business experience and subject matter expertise in process mineralogy/geo‑metallurgy, minerals processing, extractive metallurgy, chemical engineering, or material science at bench, pilot, and industrial scales. Knowledge base should address both ferrous and non‑ferrous primary and secondary mineral resources in an applied and/or industrial research context. This role requires a demonstrated record of successful research program creation and leadership with attraction of funding, a record of peer‑reviewed publications, reports and presentations, an ability to both lead and contribute to ongoing research programs, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This position will collaborate with NRRI senior leadership to direct research activities, personnel and capabilities as required to achieve institute strategic objectives. This position leverages Institute policies and procedures and applies project management skills with their technical expertise to manage research activities with minimal guidance.

Job Duties

1. Develop, Design, and Oversee the Execution of Complex Research Tasks and Projects (40%)

• Design, plan, fund and lead complex research projects within a mineral processing & metallurgy program as Principal Investigator (PI).
• Build a research program and lead a team to conduct research investigations from experimental design to interpretation and reporting of experimental data.
• Ensure quality of research data and analyzing data and preparation of reports and manuscripts on results of the work including technical reports to clients and peer reviewed journals, primarily as lead author.
• Actively participate and disseminate research data and findings at conferences, symposiums, and summits.
• Interact with various agencies to acquire and interpret data, develop novel methods for analyzing data using programming, model building, and database development and management.
• Safely execute research tasks 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 (30%)

• Lead large proposal efforts to procure research funding from internal and external funding sources, such as funding opportunities from the US Department of Energy (DOE), US Department of War (DoW), National Science Foundation (NSF), State of Minnesota, etc.
• Engage in client management for Business & Industry-funded projects and new opportunities in collaboration with the Partnership Office.
• Develop complex scopes of work and deliver proposals to clients.

3. Technical Subject Matter Expertise (20%)

• Discuss and plan new avenues of investigation.
• Apply new developments within the field of specialty to experimental plans.
• 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 mentorship to staff and associate scientists and metallurgical technicians.

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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree (PhD) in Process Mineralogy/Geo‑metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Geology or related field with four or more years of relevant experience.
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, patents, and/or presentations.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert in one of the following fields: process mineralogy/geo‑metallurgy, minerals processing, extractive metallurgy, chemical engineering, or material science.
• Demonstrated experience conceptualizing, developing and executing complex, multi‑year research programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree (PhD) in Process Mineralogy/Geo‑metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Geology or related field with six or more years of relevant research experience.
• Four or more years of industrial mineral processing and metallurgical experience.
• Demonstrated experience with data management and commercial modeling and simulation software, e.g., JKSimMet, JKSimFloat, METSIM, USIM PAC, HSC Chemistry, FactSage, etc.
• Demonstrated experience with mineralogical identification and quantification via conventional analytical methods, including optical microscopy, chemical analysis, X‑ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and automated mineralogy systems.

Physical/Environmental Demands

May be required to wear respirators at times based upon the material being processed; will require annual respirator fit testing.

Benefits

Pay Range: $97,477.79 - $143,683.55 per year

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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