Jennifer Dunn (Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University) leads the Systems Analysis Research Group. The Group carries out techno-economic analyses, life cycle assessments, and integrated assessment modeling (IAM) of material, energy, and water systems. We have multiple projects that entail TEA and LCA of water systems including desalination and wastewater treatment. We are seeking a post-doctoral scholar with expertise in water systems and, ideally, life cycle assessment to join our group. Funding is available for two years. Applicants should have completed their PhD degrees no later than 2020. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States, but the University will consider applicants who require sponsorship for employment visa status.
Candidates must have a PhD in an Engineering field. Excellent candidates for these positions will have experience with TEA and LCA, and process modeling, potentially using GPS-X and/or QSDSan and/or AspenPlus. Python skills are a plus. We are willing to train candidates with deep knowledge of desalination and/or wastewater treatment systems in TEA and LCA. Candidates are expected to have strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills. Candidates must be able to work in a collaborative environment. The Dunn group engages in international collaboration with partners in Israel, South America, and Europe, so ability for cross-cultural, interdisciplinary work is also essential.
During day-to-day research, the post-doctoral scholar will:
- Build process models of wastewater and/or desalination systems
- Use the process models to develop TEA and LCAs of these systems
- Participate in conference calls with collaborators in the U.S. and abroad (all in standard business hours of the U.S.)
- Contribute to research papers for publication
- Conduct literature reviews
- Present research for multiple audiences, including academic conferences, policy audiences, and the general public
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
Mentorship and Training Opportunities
Successful candidates will join a university with a broad, interdisciplinary community of scholars affiliated with programs such as the Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience (CESR) and the Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern (ISEN). Successful applicants will each work with Prof Dunn to co-create a mentoring plan and individual development plan (IDP) to support advancement of career goals. Post-doctoral researchers will also have opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
How to apply: Applications received by July 15, 2023, will receive full consideration. The successful candidate will be expected to begin Fall 2023, preferably by October 1, with some flexibility on start date. Review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please submit your cover letter, CV, writing sample, and three contacts for references in this google form:
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to building an intellectually vibrant, culturally inclusive, and academically diverse community of faculty, and we welcome applications from scholars of diverse backgrounds and those historically underrepresented in the academy.