Director Of Minerals Research Lab

The Minerals Research Lab (MRL) is located in Asheville, NC. MRL keeps in contact with the North Carolina and United States mineral industry to define the needs of the industry and to initiate research projects. The work of the MRL, like the overall work of IES, is accomplished by developing and delivering superior professional education and technical assistance programs that meet the needs of engineers and technical professionals in the mining and minerals industry and by advocating the use of engineering science and technology and best practices to promote corporate growth and the production of quality products. NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions is a state-wide university based economic development organization specifically chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly to transfer knowledge and technology to North Carolina industry to support global competitiveness.

Essential Job Duties

This position provides the leadership, development, and management for the Minerals Research Laboratory (MRL) located within Industry Expansion Solutions, College of Engineering, NC State University. Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) is the engineering-based, solutions-driven, client-focused unit of NC State University. The MRL is located in Asheville, NC and the MRL Director maintains relationships with the North Carolina and United States mineral industry to define the needs of the industry and to initiate research projects. The work of the MRL, like the overall work of IES, is accomplished by developing and delivering superior professional education and technical assistance programs that meet the needs of engineers and technical professionals in the mining and minerals industry and by advocating the use of engineering science and technology and best practices to promote corporate growth and the production of quality products.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Minerals Research Laboratory (MRL) staff.

• Foster a service-oriented philosophy among staff, prioritizing client needs and economic benefits.

• Recruit, select, train, mentor, and evaluate staff.

• Develop annual work plans with measurable goals.

• Maintain awareness of minerals research and industry trends.

• Develop and manage organizational and program budgets.

• Operate an active advisory board comprising industry representatives.

• Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of growth strategies for the organization.

• Technical Service

• Provide hands-on technical assistance to clients based on experience.

• Offer short-duration (up to eight hours) assistance free of charge.

• Prepare contracts for services beyond eight hours, adhering to university guidelines.

• Promotion

• Promote IES services and support for industrial clients through presentations, marketing materials, and educational programs.

• Economic Impact

• Oversee an evaluation system measuring the economic impact of MRL programs.

• Produce annual reports of program impact for stakeholders.

• Educate legislators and stakeholders about MRL and IES program impacts.

• Relationships and Funding

• Establish effective relationships with government agencies, economic development organizations, and clients to secure funding and deliver services.

• Prepare funding proposals and oversee grant and contract deliverables.

• Participate in university relations efforts.

• Administration

• Administer MRL staff and IES operations.

• Supervise MRL Operations to support the university mission.

• Ensure staff compliance with university policies.

• Attend necessary meetings and travel as required by the IES Executive Director.

Other Responsibilities

• Serve on selection committees for hiring, termination, and promotion.

• Operate with minimal supervision and exercise broad guidance over the MRL.

• Adhere to all federal, state, and local laws, including safety and environmental laws.

• Determine the type and amount of work performed at the lab, including scheduling UNCA student usage and tours.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

A Masters Degree in mineral processing, mineral engineering, extractive metallurgy, or mining engineering.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience with customer service, community relations, continuing education, and marketing execution

• A proven track record of accomplishments working in a technology-based economic development role

• Proven success in identifying and securing funding as well as experience in writing proposals

• Record of accomplishments documented by industry action on research efforts and a number of publications in his/her field of expertise.

• Experience in managing a decentralized professional staff, multiple budgets, and many simultaneous contracts

• Impeccable ethics, unquestionable integrity, and experience in the application of good business practices are essential.

• A strong work ethic

• An ability to travel

• Light lifting up to fifty pounds is necessary to perform functions at both sponsor facilities and at the lab.

• High proficiency in the use of a personal computer is a requirement.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D.
• 15 - 20 years of successful experience in minerals or mining related industry.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

A valid driver's license and ability to travel are required.

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No