Research and Development Associate jobs in Burlington, VT

Job Title: Research Associate

Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering

Range: $47,476

Position Summary:

This position supports multiple projects with the Institute for a Sustainable Environment and Civil and Environmental Engineering at Clarkson University related to life cycle assessment (LCA) and technoeconomic analysis (TEA). The post-doctoral researcher will conduct LCA and TEA and lead a small team of dedicated graduate and undergraduate students on the projects. Research projects are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and a private source subcontracting our project team through Bigelow Laboratories for Ocean Sciences. Support is available for the post-doctoral researcher for two years on these currently funded projects with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability. The post-doctoral researcher will collaborate effectively with a large multi-institutional project team and report to Professors Shane Rogers and Susan Powers.

Projects:

Primary research activities involve the development and assessment of seaweed feed ingredients for reduction of enteric methane emissions from cows. These multidisciplinary research projects involve industry representatives and a large team (>50) of faculty, post-doctorate researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students from eight universities and research and extension institutions in the Northeastern United States. Activities span from product development to feed trials, livestock and field emissions measurement, and emissions modeling / assessment of the environmental and economic trade-offs of product implementation. The post-doctoral researcher will interface with diverse researchers from multiple institutions and projects to populate and execute LCA models to guide product development and validate overall environmental benefits. Additional responsibility includes LCA and TEA of bipolar membrane electrodialysis for recovery of ammonia from wastewater sludge in a product development and validation study piloted in Cortland, NY. The post-doctoral researcher will be supported by an additional graduate student on this project. Involvement in other projects will occur as interest or need demands.

General Purpose:

Conduct of life cycle assessment and technoeconomic analysis on grant-funded research through the US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Energy, and Bigelow Laboratories for Ocean Sciences.

Position Responsibilities:

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHER

• Actively participate in project meetings and communicate effectively with a large and diverse team of research professionals
• Manage research data in a confidential and professional manner
• Complete inventories and execute LCA and TEA models that support product development and understanding of environmental and economic trade-offs in complex systems
• Provide positive and effective leadership and mentoring for graduate and undergraduate students working on LCA and TEA activities of the various projects
• Present findings in peer-reviewed articles and scientific and technical conferences.
• Participate in grant writing activities to support professional development and provide additional research opportunities

Essential Skills:

• Capacity to conduct life cycle assessment (LCA) and technoeconomic analysis (TEA)
• Statistical analysis / computer programing / modeling skills (R, MATLAB, Python, GPS-X, or other)
• Understanding of and basic mass and energy flow analyses through processes related to physical/chemical or biological treatment processes, agricultural processes and/or energy systems
• Strong data analytic / quantitative skills
• Fast learner with the ability to work in a large interdisciplinary team
• Leadership skills and ability to design and conduct research independently
• Positive and effective oral communication skills with peers and subordinates
• Ability to appropriately summarize and present research products in scientific and technical venues
• Ability to contribute to grant writing and lead author peer-reviewed scientific research articles for publication

Education:

Minimal Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in engineering (civil, agricultural, water resources or environmental), sciences (e.g., environmental, biological, chemical), mathematics or any closely related field

Experience:

Minimal Experience:

• Record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific literature
• Demonstrative understanding of LCA methodology (e.g., through coursework, certificate, publication, or other)
• Demonstrative understanding of / interest in coastal or agricultural systems or wastewater treatment (e.g., related coursework, research, etc.)

Preferred Experience:

• Prior computer programing / modeling experience (R, MATLAB, Python, GPS-X, or other)
• Record of publication / research employing LCA methodology
• Record of publication / research in the areas of coastal or agricultural systems or wastewater treatment
• Demonstrative understanding of TEA methodology (e.g., through coursework, certificate, publication, or other)
• Prior experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
• Prior experience working in multidisciplinary teams

Physical Demands:

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, bend and stoop.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Clarkson is committed to complying with the guidelines set forth under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three professional references through the University’s website at http://www.clarkson.edu/hr.

An equal opportunity / affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women and people with disabilities. Prior to a final offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to submit a background check including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal background check.