Postdoctoral Researcher – Process modeling and sustainability analysis for lignin valorization

About the role

The Catalytic Carbon Transformation & Scale-Up Center at NLR seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Economic, Sustainability, and Market Analysis group. The position is part of a Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI) project focused on developing new approaches to cost-effectively convert biomass into realistic biofuels.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the CBI Lignin Valorization team to conduct biorefinery analyses related to lignin valorization to fuels and chemicals.
• Analyze data using AspenPlus and other process modeling tools.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of research and analysis.
• Communicate scientific results effectively, both written and orally.
• Author peer-reviewed publications.
• Work effectively in a large, multidisciplinary team of engineers, chemists, and biologists.

Requirements

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Research experience with an emphasis on chemical process development.
• Demonstrated experience with process modeling with Aspen Plus.
• Demonstrated experience with doing statistical analysis (sensitivity or uncertainty).
• PhD degree in chemical engineering or related field.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with programming codes such as Python or RD.
• Demonstrated experience with LCA tools such as Brightway, openLCA or SimaPro.
• Understanding of biomass conversion research and knowledge of lignin deconstruction chemistries.
• Relevant experience with sustainable materials and green chemistry practices.

Skills

• Ability to assimilate a wide variety of information into assessments.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Experience with process modeling tools like Aspen Plus.
• Statistical analysis skills, including sensitivity or uncertainty analysis.
• Programming skills in Python or similar languages.
• Experience with LCA tools such as Brightway, openLCA, or SimaPro.
• Knowledge of biomass conversion research and lignin deconstruction chemistries.
• Understanding of sustainable materials and green chemistry practices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• Pension benefits.
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Personal time off (PTO) and sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards.
• Relocation expense reimbursement (eligibility varies).

Pay

Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week