TWO Post-doc positions on technology assessment of CO2- based chemicals via electrochemical... (# of pos: 2)

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. It is critical to steer the early-phase decisions towards the value chains that offer high 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 (ECC) 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 two ambitious post-doc positions in the group Energy & Resources, within the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with our industrial partners Avantium BV from the Netherlands and RWE Power AG from Germany.

The preferred candidates have a background in engineering (e.g. process simulation using ASPEN Plus) and quantitative sustainability assessment methodologies (e.g. Life Cycle Assessment and techno-economic assessment) and experience in systems thinking. The candidates have a proven ability to publish high quality scientific papers and are able to apply scientific knowledge in the context R&D decision support. The candidates are interested in interdisciplinary academic teaching programs.

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

• conduct process design and simulation, life cycle assessment and circularity assessment of the novel CO2-based electrochemical value chains, collaborating closely with the industrial partners;
• write high-quality research publications and contribute to Bachelor and Master courses as well as to supervise Bachelor and Master theses (0.2 fte). All our programmes are taught in English.