We are seeking three (3) research associates to join our group in examining the potential environmental effects of new bioenergy strategies within the Midwestern United States using sophisticated land surface-ecosystem, economic, and life cycle assessment models. In particular, this work aims to understand the effects of widespread bioenergy production on the biophysical, biogeochemical, hydrological, climatic, and economic processes occurring on agricultural landscapes across the region.
The research associates will work with an interdisciplinary team of land surface scientists, ecologists, climatologists, agricultural scientists, industrial ecologists, and economists. The positions are available immediately and are funded through the U.S. Department of Energy and the University of Minnesota’s Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE), Institute on the Environment (IonE), and College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). Required qualifications include A Ph.D. in any Earth system science-related field with research relevant to (1) climatology, ecology, and land surface processes, plus experience with computer modeling of biophysical or biogeochemical processes, or (2) a Ph.D. in industrial ecology, economics, or environmental or agricultural science. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. The ability and desire to collaborate and work in a team environment with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, and research personnel at other institutions is essential. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include employee health, dental insurance, and social security. Applicants must submit their application materials online at https://employment.umn.edu/ Requisition# 169577. Documents that must be attached include a current curriculum vitae, a letter of interest detailing related research experience and directions, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. For further information, please contact either Dr. Jason Hill, Dept. of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering ([email protected]) or Dr. Tracy E. Twine, Dept. of Soil, Water, and Climate ([email protected]).
