Coleraine-Associate Research Scientist Mineral Processing & Metallurgy

About the Department

Situated near Minnesota’s minerals and forestry resource‑based industries, NRRI’s Coleraine Lab is a world‑renowned center for minerals and biomass conversion and their connections to land, forest, and water resources. NRRI Coleraine possesses the facilities, equipment, and highly qualified staff to conduct applied research for private and public sector clients in Minnesota, North America and around the world. The lab has a wide range of equipment for conducting studies at both laboratories (grams/pounds) and pilot scales (tons).

Laboratory and pilot scale capabilities include mineral characterization, mineral processing, metallurgy, and biomass conversion to energy and agronomic products.

Early career professional experienced in mineral processing and metallurgy, with strong skill sets related to process mineralogy/geo‑metallurgy, comminution, beneficiation (flotation and physical separation), pyrometallurgy and/or hydrometallurgy at bench, pilot, and industrial scales. Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and oversee complex research projects from experimental planning through data analysis, modeling, preparation of technical reports and publications, and delivery of high‑quality communications to both industry and academic audiences.

Adept at developing innovative methods/procedures, conducting simulations, and providing technical support to optimize plant performance. Experience in proposal writing and business & industry client engagement. Decisions are guided by policies, procedures, and business plans; and receive guidance and oversight from the manager.

• Under the guidance/supervision of a principal Investigator, design, plan, lead, and execute research projects or significant tasks within large programs related to mineral processing & metallurgy, specifically in the areas of comminution, beneficiation, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and process mineralogy/geo‑metallurgy.
• Lead quality review and interpretation of experimental data under the guidance/supervision of a PI.
• Contribute to reports and manuscripts including technical reports to clients and peer reviewed journals, primarily as secondary author.
• Oversee day‑to‑day execution of lab‑ and pilot‑scale tasks in collaboration with technicians and operations teams, including managing data and project‑specific test materials and equipment.
• Define and execute research tasks in the Work Order (WO) system in collaboration with Technical Operations (Tech Ops) 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.

• Assist in drafting large proposals to procure research funding.
• Engage in client management for Business & Industry‑funded projects and new opportunities in collaboration with the Partnership Development Office.
• Develop scopes of work and deliver proposals to clients.

• Discuss and plan new avenues of investigation.
• 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 technical guidance to research and operations teams.

• 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.
• Physical/Environmental Demands:
  May be required to wear respirators at times based upon the material being processed; will require annual respirator fit testing.

• Advanced degree (MS) in Mineral Processing, Extractive…