Post-Doctoral Associate

2-year Post-Doctoral Research Position to work on a research project "Evaluating the Sustainable Production of Engineered Biocarbon for Coal Combustion Residual Remediation from Fuel Reduction Treatments in the Superior National Forest" with an interdisciplinary multi-institution team of researchers.
The post-doctoral researcher will be working under the supervision of Professor Stephen Polasky (Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota). Other members of the research team include Professor William Lazarus (Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota), researchers at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) of the University of Minnesota, the US Forest Service, Michigan Technological University, and Iowa State University.

Position Responsibilities:
Conduct integrated economic and ecosystem service analysis related to the sustainable production of engineered biocarbon. Conduct research on the full suite of market and non-market benefits/costs associated with the production of engineered biocarbon from fuel reduction treatments in the Superior National Forest. The specific position responsibilities include:

• Logistics analysis (10%)
  Assist in data collection about on-site operations for site-to-product supply chains including cost information.
  
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) (10%)
  Work collaboratively with other research team members to conduct an environmental biomass-to-product LCA study to understand the potential impacts of different system configurations and uses of engineered biocarbon end products under a range of scenarios.
  
• Ecosystem Services Analysis (40%)
  Utilize spatially explicit integrated ecological-economic models, (InVEST or similar models)
  Assess the impacts of a variety of ecosystem services and their economic value of different systems for fuel reduction treatments, different system configurations, and uses of engineered biocarbon end products.
  
• Techno-economic Analysis (20%)
  Work collaboratively with other research team members on analysis to understand the potential costs of different system configurations and uses of engineered biocarbon end products under a range of scenarios.
  
• Sustainability Analysis (20%)
  Work collaboratively with other research team members on a sustainability analysis that links the social, environmental, and economic costs and benefits of fuel reduction with engineered biocarbon end products and use.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in natural resource, environmental or ecological economics or related degree
• experience in integrated economic and natural science modeling
• experience working with interdisciplinary teams
• excellent quantitative ability.

Desired Qualifications:

• Compelling written and oral communication skills for a variety of audiences.
• Interactions with industry, NGO, and government agency personnel.
• Strong competency with quantitative modeling, database management, and GIS experience.
• Familiarity with ecosystem service modeling and spatially explicit analysis, life-cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, and sustainability analysis. experience in environmental science or policy.

College Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27 programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also has 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Department Overview

The Department of Applied Economics (APEC) supports the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science's (CFANS) and the University of Minnesota's land-grant mission through its teaching, research, and extension programs. APEC's teaching programs include Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Economics and Agricultural & Food Business Management, and Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Applied Economics. Its research and extension focus are broadly defined as Food Systems; Development, Growth, & Trade; Environmental & Resource Economics; and Public Sector Economics. APEC is home to several centers that strengthen its academic programs and provide opportunities for students and faculty in research, extension, outreach, and policy. Please visit APEC's website at apec.umn.edu for further information.

Pay Range: 61,000-65,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online at http://employment.umn.edu/ (search for Job Opening ID 366022. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Required application materials:

• A cover letter clearly indicating how the applicant addresses the required and preferred qualifications
• Resume or CurriculumVitae
• Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references that will be contacted if you are deemed a final candidate
• Diversity Statement* (please see instructions below)
  Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
  To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
  
  Submit applications by December 27, 2024.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).