Two Post-Doctoral Fellowships Available to work on Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Cement Industry
Two postdoctoral positions are available to explore strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the cement industry. These positions are associated with the laboratories of Dr. Joule Bergerson (Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering (CPE)) and Dr. David Layzell (Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research (CESAR) Initiative) at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Successful applicants will focus on a new, state-of-the-art kiln at the LafargeHolcim cement plant in Exshaw, Alberta as well as other cement facilities across Canada. The fellows will be part of a larger team of researchers exploring the availability, properties and air emissions associated with low carbon fuels (LCF) in cement making.
One two year Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF1) position will report to Dr. Bergerson and be responsible for conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) associated with the use of various fuels (including low carbon fuels) in the production of cement. They will work with a graduate student also contributing to LCA of the project. This research project will also work to integrate results from a feedstock supply study and air emissions study with the goal of producing high quality and valuable reports for the industrial partner, and publications in the peer-reviewed literature.
A second, two year Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF2) position will report to Dr. Layzell and be responsible for identifying and modeling credible and compelling techno-economic pathways for the Alberta cement industry that are capable of achieving major reductions (80% or more) in systems-level GHG emissions over the next 30 to 40 years. This energy systems analysis (ESA) work will integrate the results and insights generated by other researchers and the industry partner, with reports from the literature to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with systems change in the Alberta cement industry. This work may include new cement making technologies, cogeneration, low carbon fuels and carbon capture & utilization or storage (CCUS). The fellow will work with a team of energy systems analysts in CESAR as well as researchers in Dr. Bergerson’s laboratory to produce high quality and valuable reports for the industrial partner, and publications for the peer-reviewed literature.
Qualifications
- Applicants must have a PhD in Engineering or related field, and have earned a doctoral degree within the past five (5) years. Please review the Eligibility page for more information prior to applying for this position.
- Previous experience in life cycle or techno-economic /environmental analysis is required for both PDF positions
- Previous experience working with cement making technologies or with fuel combustion and emission testing would be valuable for PDF1,
- Previous experience working in systems analysis and or scenario / simulation modeling would be valuable for PDF2.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
- Computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint are essential, while experience in using dedicated software for LCA or ESA modeling would be valuable.
- The applicant must be capable of working cooperatively and constructively in a self-directed manner within a team environment.
- Excellent multitasking skills to provide support to other members of the project team and to liaise with the industry partner.
- A high level of productivity in terms of peer-reviewed publications is expected.
This position offers a stipend of $55,000 CAD/year for 1 year, with the potential for renewal for up to one additional year.
Information about the research program of Dr. Joule Bergerson can be found here (https://www.ucalgary.ca/jbergers/) and Dr. David Layzell can be found here (http://www.cesarnet.ca/).
Application details
Applications should comprise a Curriculum Vitae, a statement of research interests, and the names, contact information and relationship for 3 or 4 referees. Applications should be emailed to dlayzell@ucalgary.ca or jbergers@ucalgary.ca. Evaluation of applications will commence on April 16, 2018.
Additional Information
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Postdoc Careers website. For more information about opportunities in Energy Research, visit Careers in Energy at the University of Calgary.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here; in particular, we encourage members of the four designated groups (women, Aboriginal People, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities) to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding diversity or requests for accommodation can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).