Jennifer Dunn (Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University) leads the Systems Analysis Research Group. The Group carries out techno-economic analyses, life cycle assessments, and integrated assessment modeling (IAM) of material, energy, and water systems. We are interested in expanding our work in integrated assessment modeling and seek a post-doctoral scholar with expertise in the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) or other IAMs to join us. We are particularly interested in applying IAMs to mineral and water systems. Funding is available for two years. Applicants should have completed their PhD degrees no later than 2020. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States, but the University will consider applicants who require sponsorship for employment visa status.
Candidates must have a PhD in an Engineering field or Economics. Excellent candidates for these positions will have experience with IAM modeling and be interested in developing expertise in in-depth understanding of mining operations, desalination, and wastewater treatment technologies. Candidates are expected to have strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills. Candidates must be able to work in a collaborative environment and be interested in gaining expertise in life cycle assessment and techno-economic modeling. The Dunn group engages in international collaboration with partners in South America, Australia, and Europe, so ability for cross-cultural, interdisciplinary work is also essential.
In addition to building data sets pertaining to mining, desalination, and wastewater treatment (in collaboration with other group members) and carrying out IAM-based analyses of the environmental effects of these activities, the post-doctoral scholar will:
- Contribute to research papers for publication
- Conduct literature reviews
- Present research for multiple audiences, including academic conferences, policy audiences, and the general public
- Serve as a resource for IAM capacity building in the group
Mentorship and Training Opportunities
Successful candidates will join a university with a broad, interdisciplinary community of scholars affiliated with programs such as the Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience (CESR) and the Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern (ISEN). Successful applicants will each work with Prof Dunn to co-create a mentoring plan and individual development plan (IDP) to support advancement of career goals. Trainees will also have opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.\
How to apply: Applications received by July 15, 2023, will receive full consideration. Expected to begin Fall 2023, preferably by October 1, with some flexibility on start date. Review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please submit your cover letter, CV, writing sample, and three contacts for references in this google form: https://forms.gle/zuZEtqsm3tZdMDNp9.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to building an intellectually vibrant, culturally inclusive, and academically diverse community of faculty, and we welcome applications from scholars of diverse backgrounds and those historically underrepresented in the academy.