Post-Doctoral Associate – Materials Electrochemistry

About the Job

NRRI Organizational Job Title: Post-Doctoral Associate – Materials Electrochemistry - 9546 - $75,000- $80,000

The Minerals and Metallurgy group at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking up to two postdoctoral research positions to join our electrochemical technologies team. These positions will support current and future R&D programs that include one or more of the following areas:

1. Developing cutting-edge electrochemical approaches for recovering critical metals from primary and secondary sources
2. Fundamental and applied research on molten salt electrolyte systems and electrode materials, including electrolyte characterization, electrode design and synthesis, and performance evaluation for metal recycling and recovery
3. Electrometallurgical approaches for next-generation iron production technologies

This role offers a highly collaborative environment at the intersection of fundamental materials science, electrochemistry, and real-world industrial impact, supporting both state and federal research programs as well as industry partners. Publication of innovative research results in leading technical journals and presentation of findings at national and international technical conferences is expected.

Applications that do not clearly document how the applicant meets or exceeds all minimum requirements will not be further considered. Applicants that do not meet all preferred qualifications are still encouraged to apply. Note that experience with the specific types of contaminants and treatment/remediation technologies listed above is preferred but not required.

Job Duties:

• Performing high-level experimental, theoretical, and numerical research and data analysis on electrochemical systems, including molten salt electrolysis and iron electrowinning (55%)
• Preparing peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, and contributing to sponsored research proposals (20%)
• Mentoring students and technicians engaged in related research projects (10%)
• Contributing to laboratory organization, management, and safe operation (10%)
• Other duties as assigned (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 electrochemistry, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline obtained prior to the employment start date
• Hands-on laboratory experience in electrochemistry and electrochemical characterization techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry)
• Demonstrated record of independent research, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a U.S. state or territory to document the applicant’s eligibility to drive university fleet vehicles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with one or more of the following: electrodeposition, electrocatalysis, electrochemical synthesis, metallurgy, or corrosion
• Experience with high-temperature or molten salt electrolyte systems
• Track record of integrated computational and experimental approaches for studying electrochemical systems or phenomena
• Technical proficiency in programming, data processing, and scientific instrumentation (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members across diverse technical backgrounds and disciplines
• Experience mentoring students or junior researchers in a laboratory setting

About the Department

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