The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is offering a 1 year junior researcher position on the geospatial explicit assessment of the cost and greenhouse gas emissions of biomass feedstock supply chains for advanced biofuel production in the European Union. This vacancy is part of the recently awarded project “Sustainable biomass feedstock supply chains for advanced biofuels”. The project aims to develop country specific cost-supply curves of biomass feedstock supply chains and GHG balances of advanced biofuel production pathways up to 2050 in a joint consortium with TNO.

As a junior researcher in the project, your research will focus on modelling supply chain operations to develop reliable, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective feedstock supply chains for advanced biofuel production. More specifically, your research will entail the identification and mapping the spatial distribution of sustainable biomass resources and cost, current and future locations of advanced biofuel plants and logistic strategies to deliver biomass resources to conversion plants. The research will built on a set of existing modeling tools, including a Python/ArcGIS based Biomass Intermodal Transport model and linear programming tools for location analysis. These tools require extensive updating and revision for this research. Furthermore, you will also be working closely with TNO, who will lead the spatial mapping of biomass resources.

Visit The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development for a short impression.

We are searching for a candidate who is passionate about sustainability and who would like to make a contribution in an interdisciplinary research environment in close interaction with stakeholders. Specifically, we are looking for a candidate who ideally:

• has an academic education background in energy, environmental sciences or similar on Master's level;
• has proven experience with (bio-)energy systems analysis, economic analysis, and/or LCA/carbon footprint;
• is proficient with GIS software, Python and/or R or has the ambition to develop these skills to advanced level;
• has experience with supply chain operations modelling and/or linear programming or has the ambition to acquire these skills;
• enjoys working in a team and can showcase a proactive attitude and organisational skills in these settings;
• has excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for one year in an international working environment. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €2,960 and €3,413 (scale 10.0-10.3 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a 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, professional development 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 strategic 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.

As a junior researcher you will be based at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development: an interdisciplinary research institute hosting 270 researchers and more than 100 PhD candidates that collectively investigate and develop processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. The core mission of the Copernicus Institute is to have a positive impact on the transition to a sustainable society. This includes reducing the need for laboratory animals, increasing the pace of animal-free innovation and strengthening the safety assessment of chemicals.