Project assistant research in environmental & energy systems - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Background
The Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences at the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology comprises four subjects: Environmental and Energy Systems, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Building and Construction Engineering. The department hosts the research group Pro2BE (Processes and Products for a Circular Bio Economy), focusing on sustainable solutions for process engineering and product applications for the forest industry and society. Pro2BE focuses on the transformation of the present economic/technical culture, which is based on consumption of non-renewable resources, to a bioeconomy based on circularity of renewable resources. The forest industry is an important stakeholder in this transformation with which Pro2BE has a long history of joint research projects. The research focus of Pro2BE aligns with the priorities of Region Värmland, as shown in the Smart Specialization Agenda. The subject Environmental and Energy Systems and the Pro2BE research environment are currently in an expansion phase. We are seeking a Project Assistant Research, in environmental and energy systems, with focus on forest-based bioeconomy, who will be based at the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences.

Duties
The project research assistant will work within the research group Pro2BE at Karlstad University and research will be done in close cooperation with one or more regional test beds. The focus of the current position is mainly to investigate whether a composite pelletized biochar from pulp and paper mill residues possess required physicochemical characteristics to be used either as a soil-improving additive in forestry production or as an energy source for special purposes. Environmental and economic sustainability of the product is also required to be assessed from a life cycle perspective.

Qualification Requirements
The eligibility requirement for this position is a PhD degree in Environmental and Energy Systems, Industrial Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Technology or another area relevant for the project.

Assessment Criteria
Weight is given to applicants’ academic merits related to Pro2BE’s research areas. Special weight is given to research experience in fields of relevance to the project: biochar production systems, biomass pelletizing process, life cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, and material and energy flow modeling. Weight is also given to experience in laboratory work. As personal qualities, we are looking for ability to cooperate, to take responsibility, to commit to activities, to think analytically and creatively, and to have a positive attitude.

Terms of Employment
The position is a fixed-term, full time, employment. Starting date is planned to January 2020 and ending date is planned to December 31 2021, with the possibility of extension at part or full time.

Application
Applications are submitted through the university’s web-based recruitment tool and should include well documented qualifications. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted no later than the application deadline. If your application is not complete, we may not be able to assess it qualitatively in all aspects. Application should include:

• Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications in relation to the contents of the position
• CV
• Copies of relevant transcripts, degree certificates, letters of recommendation
• List of publications
• Contact information to at least two references

Application deadline: 1 December 2019

We look forward to your application!

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and decline any contacts from advertising or recruitment agencies.