Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator

If you desire to work in an impactful, collaborative, applied research setting working alongside industry and academia tackling current, real-world environmental problems such as carbon sequestration and biomass utilization, this position may be right for you. The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is in beautiful Duluth, MN offering amazing opportunities for uncrowded outdoor recreation while also being in the urban setting of a mid-sized city (population ~100,000). The Materials & Bioeconomy group at NRRI is looking to hire a chemistry laboratory coordinator that will work on project areas such as biochar (production, performance & characterization), biodegradable coatings, and lignin/hemicellulose valorization to name a few. Current instrumentation in the chemistry & materials science laboratory include gas adsorption analyzers, mercury intrusion porosimetry, pyrolysis-GC/MS, GC-QQQ MS, TG-DTA, micro-GC and LC-QTOF- MS among others. In addition to managing operations in the lab, this hire will have the opportunity to pursue their own research ideas and serve as PI or Co-PI on projects.

The job classification for this position will be Researcher 4, which offers a competitive salary depending upon applicants’ qualifications and years of experience. This position offers the opportunity for advancement with excellent job performance. The estimated starting date for this position is Fall 2023 but the search will remain open until the position is filled. 

Job Duties:

• Coordinate and schedule day-to-day operations in the laboratory for all chemistry lab team members.
• Maintain and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation.
• Manage safety and standard operating procedure documentation.
• Participate in hands-on analytical and synthetic chemistry work.
• Organize and manage the collection and dissemination of data including writing of experimental and producing visualizations for collected data.
• Coordinate the execution of analytical external sales working with NRRI’s internal financial team and industrial clients.
• Assist group leader in both internal and external fundraising efforts.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related science or engineering field with a strong chemistry focus and 4 years of relevant work experience OR a master’s degree with 2 years of relevant work experience. It should be noted that applicants with Ph.D.’s, while not a requirement, should not be deterred from applying.
• Effective technical writing and oral communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated emotional awareness and ability to work well with a variety of personalities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience maintaining and troubleshooting analytical chemistry instrumentation.
• Supervisory or management experience.

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment. 

NRRI’s mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment, and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship. With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota’s soil, forest, water, and mineral resources:

1. Applied Ecology and Resource Management 
2. Minerals and Metallurgy
3.  Materials and Bioeconomy 
4. Data Collection and Delivery 
5. Commercialization Services

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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 Scholarship
• 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, visit the UMN Careers page and follow the instructions. Search for position Job ID 358149. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You are required to attach a Cover letter and Resume.

Additional information submit:
• A curriculum vitae detailing education background, professional appointments, experience with analytical instrumentation, publications, and presentations (please indicate the language of each publication and presentation).
• A cover letter (max 2 pages) describing how your education/work experiences make you well-suited to perform the required duties outlined here.
• A sample of published work demonstrating your technical writing skills in English. This could be a first-author peer reviewed publication, a grant proposal submission, or an excerpt from a dissertation e.g.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

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

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.