Job duties/Responsibilities:
The Researcher will collaborate with NRRI senior leadership to direct research activities, personnel and resources 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 day-to-day research activities with minimal guidance.
- Subject Matter Expert/Principal Researcher (60%)– as key contributor to the Institute research organization, this position is responsible for the creation and execution of original, integrated, multi-disciplinary research programs in geometallurgy, applied mineralogy, and associated mineral process chemistry and engineering as applied to both ferrous and non-ferrous mineral resources and consistent with the strategic research objectives of the Institute. The researcher will apply their experience and expertise in ensuring and mentoring scientific rigor in literature review, experimental design, data collection & analysis, report generation and overall responsibility for the achievement of research objectives (scope, time, and budget). Strong project management, communication and collaboration skills will be critical in reaching these objectives. The incumbent is expected to participate in external professional activities such as reviewing proposals and manuscripts, serving on advisory committees, review panels, editorial boards, and the like, and remain current in their area of expertise and contribute as a technical expert to others across the Institute and University of Minnesota System.
- Publications (10%)– the position is expected to generate peer-reviewed publications independently and collaboratively, internal reports, client reports, professional presentations, and outreach materials as appropriate to establish both personal and Institutional professional credibility. The researcher must exhibit strong oral and written communication skills, particularly as related to geometallurgy, applied mineralogy, process mineralogy and associated mineral process chemistry and engineering fields of study.
- Research Funding (10%) – the position is expected to actively pursue and attract research funding, from both internal and external sources, via collaborative preparation of professional, competitive grant proposals leveraging expertise in Geometallurgy, applied mineralogy, and associated mineral process chemistry and engineering. Expectations are that this position will coordinate and collaborate as needed across NRRI as well as the University of Minnesota System within defined policies and procedures to ensure that project budget, schedule and scope fulfill granting agency requirements. In addition, the position will engage with external business clients to understand their challenges and propose scientifically based solutions for consideration and potential funding.
- Operational Assistance (20%) – as an extension of the principal researcher role, the position is expected to contribute their expertise to ensuring that the geometallurgy, applied mineralogy, and associated mineral process chemistry and engineering research and service activities managed at the NRRI Coleraine site are conducted safely and appropriately with robust technical/quality control. The researcher will lead service projects when appropriate and will provide professional oversight for the Institute’s mineral characterization laboratory, specifically including XRF and XRD equipment. The researcher will review established operational policies and procedures concerning mineral processing, sample collection and testing practices which may be carried out by other technical support staff at the Coleraine site. Periodic assessment of work area layout, current/future equipment and strategic infrastructure needs, process capabilities and technical expertise will be necessary for the position to maintain awareness of Institute capability to fulfil expectations of clients and the research community. As a leader, this researcher will promote and model a robust safety and respectful work environment.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in the field and at least 8 years’ experience in geometallurgy, applied mineralogy, and associated mineral process chemistry and engineering to conduct innovative research in the field.
- Demonstrated application of expertise to solve mineral processing and product quality problems and/or to develop and optimize minerals processing and extractive metallurgy flowsheets for optimal mineral recovery while considering environmental and life cycle aspects such as water conservation and pollution prevention, waste minimization, zero air emissions and energy efficiency.
- Demonstrated material characterization skills including optical microscopy of ores, metal products and materials; analysis of materials using powder x-ray diffraction methods, chemical and thermal analytical techniques and identification of potential safety and environmental hazards associated with minerals and processing techniques.
- Prior experience working in diverse teams, being able to collaborate respectfully with staff of various educational and cultural backgrounds and ability to appropriately navigate complex team dynamics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD Degree in the field of geometallurgy, applied mineralogy, and associated mineral process chemistry and engineering
- Pyrometallurgy - basic knowledge of principles and industrial applications.
- Hydrometallurgy - basic knowledge of principles and industrial applications.
- Industrial experience and expertise in modern and emerging technologies for crushing, grinding, screening, separation, pelletizing, smelting, recycling (i.e., dense media, gravity, flotation, etc.) of ferrous and non-ferrous mineral feedstocks.
- Spatial analysis: familiarity with geographical information systems, 3D drill hole database/modeling software and Lith geochemical software.
- Experience working with and in multidisciplinary teams.
- Evidence of other professional activities including participation in manuscript reviews/editorial duties, advisory committees, review panels, and other activities associated with the professional discipline.
- Experience recruiting, mentoring, and managing a diverse workforce.
To Apply
Please visit the UMN employment listing and search for: 339832.