Director of Research for the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI)

About the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI)

The University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) fosters environmentally sound economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources. A nonacademic unit of the University chartered by the Minnesota state legislature, NRRI delivers integrated research solutions across three strategic initiatives: 

With a staff of 140 (and growing!), NRRI runs two semi-industrial research sites and one restored wetland research site. NRRI works with stakeholder groups including experts from across the U of M system, industry and business, governments, agencies, academia, communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the country and around the globe. We deliver research to improve the lives of Minnesotans and beyond.

Our Culture

Collage of five NRRI employees working in various settings

We bring our best selves to work at NRRI to make a positive impact on our collective future. Our culture of innovation, collaboration and integrated research creates ripples of opportunity for Minnesota, the region, and far beyond.

The diversity of our research and our people drives our success.

See profiles on our researchers and the latest news.

NRRI Locations

Map showing the three NRRI locations in northeast Minnesota

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Responsibilities

As research manager, you will propel NRRI’s vision, build and expand partnerships, and drive the future of research at NRRI. Responsibilities include:

  • Research leadership (30%):
    • Engaging with key stakeholder groups to predict and identify research challenges related to global, societal, market, and industry trends in alignment with NRRI’s strategic plan
    • Organizing robust funding for interdisciplinary research
  • Institute leadership (20%):
    • Managing and evolving the strategic plan alongside the rest of the NRRI leadership team
    • Contributing to decisions for all facets of NRRI operations
    • Representing the executive director and NRRI to external parties and stakeholders as needed
  • Performance and professional development (20%):
    • Working with graduate students, technicians, research scientists, and other professionals to create a healthy, diverse, and safe work culture
    • Setting development goals for staff as a part of the greater U of M research enterprise
  • Budget management (10%)
  • Proposal development training and internal grant funding (10%)
  • Professional activities (10%)

For greater detail, view the full job posting. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • One of the following: 
    • BA/BS degree and at least 12 years of relevant research experience 
    • Advanced degree and 10 years of relevant research experience comprising 5-8 years of multidisciplinary research leadership experience (not including post-doctoral fellowships as research leadership experience)
  • Broad accomplishments and impacts in discovery and applied science and/or engineering research
    • Examples: Peer-reviewed publications, patents, technical reports, presentations
  • Experience in building a research portfolio: 
    • Envisioning, developing, and maintaining robust research programs
    • Attracting sustained extramural funding
    • Managing large, complex budgets
  • Significant work experience in (or with) the private sector, agency, or federal laboratories 
  • Success in leading and supervising diverse staff of various educational and cultural backgrounds with an ability to respectfully navigate complex team dynamics
  • Record of providing professional development opportunities and mentoring to help individuals and teams evolve
  • Evidence of developing strong partnerships with stakeholders (industry clients, governments, agencies, program sponsors, collaborators, academic institutions, NGOs, the public, and internal staff)
  • Familiarity with collaborative strategic planning
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in a science or engineering field
  • Experience in applied research, product development, and commercialization
  • Expertise in the development and management of intellectual property
  • Familiarity with project management tools, process development, engineering, and facilities planning
  • Experience in safety and quality processes
  • Experience working within ecological systems, including forests, landscapes, and aquatic environments
  • Familiarity in monitoring and managing ecosystem impacts focusing on applied solutions
  • Commitment to sustainability practices
  • Effective community outreach and engagement activities

Pay, Benefits, and Work Arrangements

Starting salary range: $170,000–210,000; depending on education, qualifications, and experience

Benefits: As a Professional and Administrative (P&A) employee with 100% appointment, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package. Highlights include:

  • 10% employer contribution to your retirement account, vested immediately
  • 22 paid vacation days per year, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement opportunities cover 75–100% of eligible tuition
  • Excellent and affordable healthcare benefits
  • Wellbeing Program for reduction in annual medical rates
  • Free disability insurance
  • Annual merit increase program
  • Professional development opportunities

Learn more about benefits.

Work arrangements: Based in Duluth, Minnesota (largely in-person, with some travel and flexibility for remote work)
 

Applications and Nominations

Please submit your name, a resume, and a cover letter to apply. Finalists will be asked to provide references. Please note that you do not need to complete the “Education and Work Experience” section.

Apply now

If you’d like to nominate a candidate, please contact Gao Thao, Talent Acquisition consultant, at thaox744@umn.edu. 

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Minnesota shall provide 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.