Electrochemist - NRRI

NRRI Researcher 6: Chemical Engineer-Electrochemistry/Electrometallurgy

Are you passionate about discovering the economy of the future - one that considers all aspects of science and engineering, society, the economy and the environment? The University of Minnesota's Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) was created by the State Legislature in 1983 to develop data, understanding, and technologies to inform economic and environmental management decisions concerning the use, restoration, and protection of the region's natural resources. As a nonacademic unit of the University, NRRI drives its mission to deliver integrated research solutions across three strategic initiatives: Ecosystem Resilience, Future Forest Industries, and Iron & Minerals of the Future. The Institute partners extensively with industry and business, governments, agencies, academia, communities, and NGO's across the country and around the globe.

NRRI is seeking an established lead researcher to define and initiate an electrochemistry research program as an expansion of the Institute's Mineral Processing and Metallurgy research team. NRRI is actively expanding its project portfolio to include electrochemical processes as they relate to water electrolysis, electrolysis catalysts, electrometallurgy, electrowinning applications and related processes. This is a lead research position responsible for developing programs that attract external funding, leading and mentoring research staff, leading collaborative research efforts with Institute partners, and participating in leadership of the Institute research enterprise, all in support of the NRRI mission and vision. The researcher will engage in professional activities in societies, technical symposia, panels, and serve on advisory committees that are aligned with the NRRI mission.

The position will accommodate a 80-100% FTE assignment. The appointment status will be reviewed annually and may be adjusted upon mutual agreement. This position is at NRRI Coleraine Laboratory located in Coleraine, MN.

DUTIES:
Research Definition and Leadership (50%): In fulfilling this position, the researcher will

• engage Institute leadership, colleagues and stakeholder groups (academia, industry, agency, federal laboratories, NGOs, public) to anticipate and identify research challenges related to global societal, market and industry trends
• frame and organize a relevant research program with robust funding strategies in alignment with the Institute strategic plan
• maintain a balanced research program portfolio funded by internal and external sources focused on positioning the Institute at the cutting edge of electrolytic hydrogen and electrochemical processes in mineral processing
• manage research activities under their direction; model and promote expectations of research professionals with particular focus on intellectual rigor, integrity, quality and safety
• employ project management best practices to monitor progress of research programs and projects - mentoring as appropriate
• make decisions to maintain, redirect or terminate projects
• define strategies to remain relevant as a premier natural resources research enterprise.

Proposal Development (20%): Significant effort and experience is required to successfully prepare proposals in response to specific opportunities and requests for projects offered by funding agencies and external clients. Such experience entails identifying appropriate research funding opportunities, building collaborative proposal efforts and writing grant proposals.

Performance and Professional Development (20%): Professional development and skill set management are critical to the growth of the Institute. The researcher is responsible for their own personal development and that of direct reports. The researcher will work with Institute leadership to manage professional development and set performance targets by ensuring that goal setting is clear, robust and managed fairly across the research enterprise. Feedback to employees via the performance review process is undertaken both on a formal and informal basis.
The researcher demonstrates leadership in promoting multidisciplinary, collaborative research and interaction across the Institute, the University System and external collaborators. As a senior researcher, the individual will maintain professional participation, service and membership in societies and serve on panels, symposia or advisory committees that are aligned with the Institute mission and strategic plan.

Budget Management (10%): The researcher manages budgets (creates, plans and proposes), works with Institute accounting personnel to manage budget issues and develops control plans for funding issues as they develop. The researcher interacts with the NRRI Finance Manager in ensuring that budget matters are monitored and controlled on an ongoing basis and funds are allocated fairly and properly.

This position will stay open until filled.

Please note, we are not offering H-1B or Green Card sponsorship for this position.

REQUIRED:

• Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, metallurgy, or a related area with substantial research and publication record.
• At least 6 years of professional experience in electrochemistry and/or electrochemical engineering.
• Recognized subject matter expert in areas relevant to electrowinning and electrometallurgy across multiple commodities e.g. iron, copper, nickel, precious metals, etc. as well as electrolytic hydrogen production/utilization
• Project management experience.
• Experience in laboratory and pilot-scale research spanning fundamental and applied science/engineering (Technology Readiness Levels 1-5)
• A strong record of framing research challenges to develop and maintain robust research programs and the associated project portfolios, including a record of success in attracting significant, sustained extramural funding.
• Supervisory experience involving >4 employees
• Experience in developing strong partnerships and leading research efforts with collaborators and stakeholders (industry clients, governments, agencies, program sponsors, academic institutions, NGO's, and internal staff).
• Strong record of disseminating research findings via formal technical/project reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, patents, and public presentations
• Demonstrated excellent written communication skills.
• Evidence of excellent verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED: The Institute seeks applicants with experience in at least several of these areas:

• Significant work experience in, or with, the private sector, agency, or federal laboratory arenas
• Experience in providing professional development opportunities and mentoring to help individuals and teams evolve.
• Experience in management of large, complex budgets.
• Experience in discovery and applied research, product development and commercialization.
• Experience in process development, engineering and facilities planning.
• Experience in safety and quality processes.
• Experience in project management systems.
• Experience in intellectual property development and management.

This position is located at NRRI Coleraine laboratory located in Coleraine, MN:

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.

Pay Range: $92k-$102k; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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.

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. For a completed application, please include a resume and cover letter. Finalists will be asked to provide references.

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

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. Please note, we are not offering H-1B or Green Card sponsorship for this position.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

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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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).