Junior Researcher on Climate Impacts of International Biomass Supply Chains (0.9 FTE)

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is offering a 1-year junior researcher position on the carbon performance of international biomass residue supply chains for Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) projects. The project aims to assess the climate and environmental performance of future BECCS projects utilising biomass residues (mainly sugarcane bagasse and forestry residues) from Brazil and the US in existing and to be developed assets in the Netherlands in collaboration with (inter)national NGO’s.
The work of the junior researcher will focus on the carbon performance of the international biomass supply chain; from biomass sourcing in the field up to carbon capture and storage. The research activities consist of:

• reviewing existing and proposed sustainability frameworks for negative emissions (at the start of the work) and other relevant EU policy documents and ultimately developing recommendations for the specific elements for BECCS value chains;
• assessing the supply chain aspects (upstream and downstream) related to direct carbon and GHG emissions in all biomass supply chains (US and Brazil); the conversion of biomass in the Netherlands to electricity and heat, and the capture and the storage of CO2 .

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 colleague who:

• has an academic education background in energy science, environmental sciences or similar on Master's level;
• has proven experience with (bio-)energy systems analysis, LCA/carbon footprinting (experience with other environmental impact assessments is a plus);
• has experience with international biomass supply chains and or projects focusing on negative emissions;
• enjoys working in a team and can showcase a proactive attitude and organisational skills in this setting;
• is willing to travel to the US and Brazil for data collection;
• has excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (Portuguese is a large plus), and can deliver written reports on time and at high quality.

We offer a temporary position (0.9 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.
The 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.
The research will be carried out within the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. This institute aims to have a positive impact on the transition to a sustainable society. They do this by developing excellent and relevant knowledge and by educating change agents of the future. They collaborate with citizens, politicians, policy-makers, NGOs and firms to learn from each other and influence decision-making. They work in interdisciplinary teams and have organised their research around three cross-topical themes and five sustainability challenges. The themes, governance, modelling and transitions, represent our signature and cover central aspects of sustainability research and policy. The five topical sustainability challenges, circular economy, sustainable energy, sustainable food, sustainable land and sustainable water, highlight our research strengths.

For more information about this position, please contact Martin Junginger via h.m.junginger@uu.nl . 

Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. 
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply’ button.
We aim to inform all candidates whether they will be invited for an interview by Wednesday 14 June. Interviews are planned to take place on Monday 19 June. The starting date is 1 September 2023.