Post-Doctoral Fellow in
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT AND INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Forest Bioproducts Research Program
University of Maine
Orono
The Forest Bioproducts Research Program (www.forestbioproducts.umaine.edu) at the University of Maine is seeking applications for a post-doctoral fellow in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the integration of LCA methods with biobased materials, ecological, forest, and economic impact assessment modeling. This position is part of a new NSF/EPSCoR grant to develop a nationally recognized institute in forest bioproducts research. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to develop a research program that advances the
application of life cycle assessment to evaluating bioproducts derived from forest resources. The successful candidate will be expected to pursue grants from competitive granting agencies, industry, foundations, or other sources. Results from completed research are expected to be published in leading peer-reviewed journals and other outlets. The research focus will be evaluating the life cycle environmental impacts of a full supply chain for selected forest bioproducts in Maine, using state-of-the-art methods. The successful candidate will also work collaboratively with other researchers to link life cycle assessments with economic impact evaluation methods in order to develop integrated assessments of bio-based product and policy alternatives. The successful candidate is also expected to collaborate in research to advance the state of the art for life cycle impact assessment for land use impacts of forestry and agriculture. The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing the scientific underpinnings, system behavior, and policy implications for the production of forest bioproducts that meet societal needs for materials, chemicals, and fuels.
Qualifications:
A Ph.D. with specialization in life cycle assessment or a closely related field is required. At least one degree in natural resources or a closely related field is preferred. The successful candidate will have training and experience in the development and application of quantitative methods related to studying the environmental impacts of product life cycles, including development of life cycle inventory data. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in bridging the gap from mainstream LCA methods to other disciplines and modeling domains, a proven ability to obtain extramural research funding and publish in leading peer-reviewed journals. Applicants must be eligible to accept employment in the United States at the time the appointment is made.
Background:
The Forest Bioproducts Research Program (www.forestbioproducts.umaine.edu) is a newly
formed interdisciplinary research activity. The program vision is to advance understanding about the scientific underpinnings, system behavior, and policy implications for the production of forestbased bioproducts that meet societal needs for materials, chemicals, and fuels in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner. The research team involves faculty from a wide range of disciplines. The program is base funded with a three-year $10.35 million grant from the National Science Foundation and the State of Maine. The University of Maine (www.umaine.edu) is located in Orono, a small college town bounded by the Stillwater and Penobscot Rivers. The campus is just eight miles north of Bangor, a commercial center for Maine and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. The Bangor Region is centrally located in the state, providing nearby access to mountains, forests, parks, rivers, lakes, and the coast.
Deadlines:
Review of applications will begin February 1, 2007 and continue until the position is filled. The desired starting date is spring 2007 or earlier.
Application:
Please send CV, transcripts of all academic work, and names and addresses of three references to:
Chair, LCA PostDoc Search
Forest Bioproducts Research Program
5737 Jenness Hall, Room 213
University of Maine
Orono ME 04469-5737
Telephone: (207) 581-1431; Fax (207) 581- 9418
forestbioproducts@umit.maine.edu
The University of Maine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Women and Minorities are Encouraged to Apply
This copy is to be used as a guide. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact the person or department listed as the contact in the above announcement.
This is an Official University of Maine Publication.
This document last modified on May 19, 2008