The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) position supervised by Professors Tony Bi, Naoko Ellis and Kevin Smith. The PDF position will be located at UBC's Vancouver campus.
We are seeking a PDF to (1) perform a systems analysis to quantify the environmental, economic and social benefits of the biomass-to-syngas and -biomethane process, and (2) to carry out a comprehensive analysis of government policy and incentive/subsidy programs at regional, natural and global scales to understand the impacts and implications of policy changes on the deployment of syngas, biogas and renewable natural gas technologies.
Qualifications of applicant:
- Have completed a relevant Ph.D. (e.g., in chemical engineering, catalysis) within the last 3 years.
- Be highly motivated, organized, a good communicator (written and verbal).
- Thrive in a team environment (in a large biomass energy program).
- Have a strong desire to conduct process analysis evaluation in close collaboration with industry.
- Expertise in life cycle analysis, process integration and integrated impact assessments, and policy analysis
- Experience with clean energy and bioenergy research, development and applications
Responsibilities:
- Perform environmental and techno-economic analyses of (i): the biomass-to-syngas process in which the syngas is used to fire pulp mill lime kilns and (ii) the biomass-to-RNG technology, using life cycle analysis and other tools.
- Evaluate the impacts of policy changes on the deployment of the syngas to fire lime kilns technology and biomass to RNG production technologies in BC and Canada.
- From time to time, assist in the experimental tests of pilot fluidized bed biomass gasification/pyrolysis system
- Deliver clear and concise written and oral presentation of analysis, and internal/external reports.
- Communicate with stakeholders in industries to update progress, receive guidance on new assignments and independently complete recurring assignments.
- Prepare manuscripts for publications and present their work at national/international conferences.
Duration & Salary:
- This full-time PDF position has an initial 1-year appointment (as per UBC policy for PDFs), with the potential for renewal.
- Salary will be commensurate with qualifications.
- The anticipated start date is July 1, 2021. Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Application:
Please send your CV, cover letter, and contact information of 3 references, addressed to:
Dr. Junnan Chao, junnan.chao@ubc.ca
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.