Lab Research Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

NRRI Organizational Job Title: NRRI Duluth/Coleraine Lab - Post-Doc - High-Temperature Extractive Metallurgy 9546 - $75,000- $80,000
About the Job summary:
The Minerals and Metallurgy group at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking up to one postdoctoral research associate to support ongoing and future R&D activities in high-temperature extractive metallurgy and critical materials processing. This position focuses on developing and optimizing high temperature processing technologies for the recovery, recycling, and valorization of metallic systems relevant to advanced manufacturing and sustainable metallurgy applications.
About the Job:
The selected candidate will contribute to research programs involving high-temperature processing, thermal treatment, reduction, smelting, alloy refining, and recycling of metallic materials. The position is intended for candidates with strong experimental and analytical skills in pyrometallurgy and high-temperature reaction systems.
There is increasing national and industrial demand for researchers with expertise in high-temperature process metallurgy, particularly in areas related to critical material recovery, recycling of advanced alloys, energy intensification of metallurgical operations, and circular manufacturing. This role provides opportunities to work on industry-relevant challenges involving process development, thermal reaction engineering, materials characterization, and scale-up studies.
The position offers a collaborative research environment involving industrial partners, federal and state agencies, and multidisciplinary technical teams. Publication of innovative research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences is expected.
Job Duties:

• Conduct experimental research related to high-temperature metallurgical processing, including thermal treatment, reduction, oxidation, smelting with/without vacuum, alloy processing, and recycling studies (55%).
• Perform process development, experimental design, materials characterization, and interpretation of metallurgical reaction behavior and process performance (20%)
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and contribute to sponsored research proposals (15%)
• Mentor technicians engaged in related research activities (5%)
• Contribute to laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, safety practices, and project coordination activities (5%)

Physical/Environmental Demands:
This position involves regular work in a chemistry and electrochemistry laboratory environment. The incumbent will handle hazardous materials (acids, bases, molten salts, solvents, and reactive metals), requiring adherence to established safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance with University and NRRI laboratory safety standards. Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, handling laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
Qualifications
Required 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in pyrometallurgy, recycling of metallic materials, alloy processing, or critical materials recovery
• Familiarity with high-temperature reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and process optimization
• Experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM-EDS/EPMA, ICP OES/MS, TGA/DSC, heating microscopy or related methods
• Knowledge of thermodynamic and process simulation tools such as FactSage, HSC Chemistry, Met Sim or related software
• Technical proficiency in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific instrumentation
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary research and industrial teams
• Experience mentoring junior researchers in laboratory or pilot-scale research environments

About the Department
About NRRI:
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:
Applied Ecology and Resource Management
Minerals and Metallurgy
Materials and Bioeconomy
Data Collection and Delivery
Commercialization Services
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $75,000- $80,000 per year; 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

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.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
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.
Please Attach:

A cover letter describing your interest in the position and your qualifications and experience as they relate to the required and preferred qualifications, and

A C.V. documenting your qualifications and accomplishments, including publications and presentations.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
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
University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.
Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
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.