Postdoctoral researcher Life Cycle Assessment of electrochemical conversion of CO2 (0.9 FTE)

CO2 emitted from waste combustion can be collected and converted into useful chemicals via electrochemical reactions. These CO2-based chemicals signify diverse value chains and opportunities, and offer potentials to lead to net-zero. It is critical to steer the next-phase commercialisation decisions towards the value chains that offer the highest climate benefits
and therefore, to ensure sustainable and responsible innovation. Assessing the potential climate benefits, trade-offs and carbon circularity of complex CO2-based electrochemical conversion value chains requires robust analysis from a system perspective. In the Dutch Research Council (NWO) funded project eCO2Circle, we are looking for answers to these questions. We offer a post-doc position in the group Energy & Resources, the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. 

The preferred candidate has a strong background in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of green chemistry and/or CO2 technologies, and is eager to find out how circular carbon technologies can lead to net-zero. The experience of process simulation using ASPEN Plus is highly preferred. The candidate has a proven ability to publish high quality scientific papers and is able to apply scientific knowledge in the context of decision support. The candidate is interested in interdisciplinary academic teaching.

The position will be partly funded by the Dutch Research Council. In this position, you will:

• conduct process simulation, life cycle assessment and circularity assessment of the novel CO2-based electrochemical value chains, collaborating closely with industrial partners;
• write high-quality research publications;
• contribute to research proposals; and
• contribute to bachelor and master courses as well as to supervise bachelor's and master's theses (0.2 FTE).

All our programmes are taught in English. You are encouraged to use the position to further develop your academic career.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who:

• holds a PhD in LCA-related chemical engineering or LCA-related environmental sciences;
• is a LCA practitioner and interested in methodology development of LCA in the context of circularity assessment;
• is highly preferred to have the experience of process simulation (e.g. ASPEN Plus) of CO2 utilisation technologies;
• is a critical thinker;
• is a curiosity-driven scientist;
• is interested in academic teaching;
• has an open, enthusiastic attitude: particularly working in inter- and transdisciplinary settings;
• has good communication skills;
• has proficiency in spoken and written English.

We offer a temporary position (0.9 FTE) for a period of 16 months. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €3,413 and €3,974 (scale 10.3-10.7 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.
In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

At the Copernicus Institute, our goal is to have a positive impact on the transition towards a sustainable future. The Copernicus Institute has had an excellent research evaluation in 2021 and the Institute takes pride in maintaining its leading position in national and international sustainability research, and by developing new, internationally oriented teaching programmes.