Postdoctoral Scholar - Small-Scale Anaerobic Digestion for Food Waste

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: September 13th, 2021

Next review date: Sunday, Sep 26, 2021 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Oct 15, 2021 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are recruiting for a Post-Doctoral Scholar (or “Post-Doc”) to help lead and contribute to a UC Davis research project examining use of a community-scale Anaerobic Digester (AD) to convert a community’s organic food waste into renewable electricity, heat, and fertilizer. The project is in collaboration with Biodico Sustainable Biorefineries, Impact Bioenergy, and Lineage Logistics under a grant from the California Energy Commission. The UC Davis faculty leads on the project include Dr. Edward Spang (Food Science and Technology) and Dr. Chris Simmons (Food Science and Technology).

The work will include contributions to overall project management and the execution of deliverables in a timely manner. The Post-Doc will participate directly in data collection; monitoring and optimization of community-scale AD system operation; and evaluation of community-scale AD performance relative to larger AD deployments. Work will specifically include operational analysis of system response to fluctuations in the quality and quantity of food waste fed to the micro-AD, and planning and support of experiments to improve biochemical conversion, biogas production and quality, generation of electricity and heat, and production of fertilizer. The position may also include on-site measurement of food waste types and qualities. Moreover, the selected candidate will be expected to contribute to project reports; participate in project meetings; and present findings through peer-reviewed publications and at relevant conferences. Finally the selected candidate will have opportunities to engage in educational outreach and teaching activities regarding AD.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
A Ph.D in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Environment Science or a related field

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• In-depth knowledge of anaerobic digestion and waste to energy concepts
• Field research and/or lab experience, specifically with anaerobic digestion and biogas production
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis

Preferred qualifications

• Experience managing projects with multiple partners
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publication
• Familiarity with life-cycle analysis and/or techno-economic assessment

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04457
Help contact: jmfareri@ucdavis.edu