Position Details and Application Form

Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Pyrolysis and Sustainable Energy

(Start Date: December 2024)

Project Description: The project focuses on exploring the use of pyrolysis to convert agricultural waste into bio-oil, pyro-gas, and biochar as sustainable energy generation and waste management solutions for the poultry industry. The postdoctoral fellow will work under the supervision of Dr. Benis at the Circular Process Engineering Laboratory, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, and will have the opportunity to lead lab- and pilot-scale pyrolysis experiments. The position will be based at the Faculty of Engineering at Dalhousie University in Halifax, with collaboration from the Faculty of Agriculture in Truro. The successful candidate is expected to be mostly present in Halifax to ensure timely progress on the project and facilitate integration with the Faculty and University.

Key Responsibilities:

·       Conducting pyrolysis experiments to optimize the conversion of biomass into energy products

·       Analyzing pyrolysis products using various analytical and characterization techniques

·       Collaborating on process simulation using Aspen Plus, as well as Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analyses (TEA) to evaluate environmental and economic impacts

·       Supervising graduate students and contributing to journal publications

·       Engaging with industry stakeholders to facilitate knowledge transfer and practical implementation of project outcomes

This opportunity is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and international applicants with relevant engineering backgrounds. We are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) as a cornerstone of our research and community. We strive to create and sustain an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that fosters innovation through a wide range of ideas and experiences. We encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

 

Required Qualifications:

·       PhD in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Energy, or a related field. The PhD must have been awarded within four years prior to the start date, and all requirements for the position must be completed before the start date.

·       Strong experience in thermal processes, waste management, and renewable energy technologies.

·       Proficiency in analytical techniques such as Gas Chromatography, Thermogravimetric Analysis, or similar methods.

·       Proficiency in English, with excellent communication and teamwork skills, including the ability to supervise students.

·       Experience with process simulation (Aspen Plus), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) is an asset.

 

Salary Range: $52,000-$57,000

 

How to Apply: Please submit your application via email to Dr. Benis (khaled.benis [at] dal.ca) with the subject line “CPE-2024-PDF”. The application should include a cover letter that highlights the specific aspects of the advertised position that interest you, along with a summary of your research interests, a self-assessment of your core strengths, and areas for improvement, addressing both your academic knowledge and technical and project management skills. Additionally, please provide a detailed curriculum vitae, including a full list of publications, three representative publications, and the names and contact information of three referees. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.