Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) Postdoctoral Fellow

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate the economic and environmental performance of various herbaceous and woody biomass feedstock supply chains and the conversion of biomass to bio-intermediates.

This position has an anticipated start date of January 1, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Develop techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) models for herbaceous and woody biomass feedstock supply chains.
• Create TEA and LCA models for the conversion of biomass into bio-intermediates or final products and their storage.
• Perform geospatial analysis to identify economically viable, low-carbon biomass feedstock blends.
• Collaborate with modelers, chemists, and biologists to integrate experimental and empirical results into TEA/LCA models and contribute to broader scenario analyses.
• Proactively engage in discussions with other research groups to identify opportunities for conducting economic and environmental analyses.
• Facilitate collaborations with academic, national labs, and industrial entities.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify desirable bioproduct intermediates or final product targets for further research.
• Participate in educational and outreach activities.
• Keep and maintain accurate and detailed records of all research performed.
• Develop skills in key software packages and work to build models that link tools together for improved automation.

What is Required:

• A recent PhD (within the last 1-2 years) in a Biological, Chemical, or Agricultural Engineering, and/or related areas.
• Experience conducting techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of biomass feedstock supply chains and chemical process modeling.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office and at least one programming language (R, Python, Visual Basic, or Java).
• Demonstrated competency in analyzing complex systems using diverse datasets in related software including SuperPro and Aspen Plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, publish in top journals as a first author, and present at conferences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience collecting and analyzing data.
• Experience designing and conducting experiments.
• Experience contributing to research proposals.
• Familiarity with geospatial information systems (GIS).
• Background in bioenergy or bioproducts research.
• Knowledge of biomass feedstock supply chain optimization methods.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume by December 1, 2024.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $7,828 - $8,742 and is expected to start at $7,828 or above. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes and are paid on a step schedule per union contract. Salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at the Emery Station Operations Center located at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

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