Title: Postdoc/Researcher on LCA of second generation biofuels
Institution: The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/136671/postdoctor-researcher-on-lca-of-second-generation-biofuels-iv-106-17
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Deadline: May 7, 2017
Description
A two-year Postdoctoral/Researcher position with the possibility of an additional two year extension is available at the Department of Energy and Process Engineering, NTNU, from 01.08.2017.
Bioenergy is the most popular renewable energy source and its use is projected to further increase by studies assessing future global primary energy supply scenarios to meet low temperature stabilization targets (e.g., 1.5 or 2 °C). However, the regional potential and the environmental sustainability profiles of novel bioenergy systems are not yet fully understood, including the net climate change mitigation benefits and the potential economy-wide effects of the transformations envisioned for the global energy system.
The Industrial Ecology Program (IndEcol) at NTNU has opened a position in modelling climate change impacts of second generation biofuels. The IndEcol team is a well-established interdisciplinary group in the field of environmental sustainability analysis, with publications in high-ranked journals and contributions to the 5th IPCC assessment report. The position is part of the 8-years research activities of the Centre for Environment friendly Energy Research (FME) Bio4Fuels (https://www.nmbu.no/en/services/centers/bio4fuels), and it is instrumental to the overarching ambitions of IndEcol to consolidate its international role in linking resource supply, conversion systems, and advanced climate impact characterization models.
We seek a person that is strongly motivated to address the interactions between ongoing climate change and mitigation measures entailing the use of bioresources, with a particular focus on the land-climate nexus. Research activities will combine life-cycle assessment (LCA) quantitative approaches, scenario analyses, and climate impact models to assess production and deployment of second-generation biofuels in Norway. The candidate is expected to perform life-cycle assessment of biofuels from lignocellulosic feedstocks and waste flows at various scales, from single value chains to national levels, considering resource potentials and the associated complexity of climate change drivers, from biogeochemical and biogeophysical changes at ecosystem levels to emissions of climate pollutants. Tasks will include inventory data processing and compilation, simulations of various biofuel scenarios, quantification of impacts, presentation of results nationally and internationally, publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Qualifications
The successful candidate should hold a PhD in industrial ecology, engineering, environmental sciences, etc., and/or be familiar with LCA applications. Good programming skills in one or several languages (e.g., Python, Matlab), in addition to good understanding of fundamentals in mathematics and physics, are expected. Previous experience with biomass, bioenergy, and biofuel systems is an advantage. Strong analytical capabilities are expected, as well as documented capacity to present research outcomes in peer-reviewed international journals. The candidate must be a good team player while also being able to work independently and bring the research at IndEcol in the field of biofuels and climate change mitigation forward. Applicants are requested to briefly sketch a one-page document on how they plan to address the research tasks envisioned by this position, on the basis of their scientific background and key research challenges of the topic.
Excellent English skills, spoken and written, are required. Applicants from non-English-speaking countries outside Europe must document English skills by an approved test. Approved tests are TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).
Conditions
Depending on qualifications, the candidate will be hired as a post doctor or as a researcher. Trondheim is the place of duty.
Postdoctoral candidates are remunerated in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 485,700 per annum before tax. There will be a 2% deduction to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund from gross wage.
The appointment of the Postdoctoral fellows will be made according to Norwegian guidelines for universities and university colleges and to the general regulations regarding university employees.
The position is of 2 years duration, with possibility of an additional 2-year extension.
For further information, please contact Professor Francesco Cherubini, phone +47 73 59 89 42, emailmailto:francesco.cherubini@ntnu.no. Please be aware that applications are not to be sent to this email address.
The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants. The positions adhere to the Norwegian Government's policy of balanced ethnicity, age and gender. Persons with immigrant background are encouraged to apply. NTNU´s objective is to increase the number of females in scientific positions. Female applicants are therefore encouraged to apply.
The application
The application must contain information of educational background and work experience. Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates, copies of transcripts and two reference letters should be enclosed. Applications with CV, grade transcripts and other enclosures should be submitted via this webpage at http://www.jobbnorge.no. Mark the application with IV-106/17.