Postdoctoral Associate - Multifunctional Values of Urban Biochar Applications

A postdoctoral research position is available in the at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. The interdisciplinary research team lead by Associate Professor is searching for an outstanding individual who will lead research, implementation, and outreach on a -funded project focused on urban biochar applications. The project is co-lead by Dr. Brian Barry, Chemistry and Materials Science Program Leader at the Natural Resources Research Institute, Duluth, MN. Local project partners are James Doten, Carbon Sequestration Program Manager for the Minneapolis Health Department and Nicholas Vetsch, Environmental Engineer at Stantec Consulting Services Inc., and the Minnesota Composting Council (MNCC).

The increasing interest in biochar production in urban areas is motivated, beyond carbon dioxide removal, by the multiple applications that biochar can have for municipalities and the abundant availability of green-waste biomass for biochar production in large cities like Minneapolis. While traditionally viewed as a soil amendment for agriculture, the number of uses for biochar has been expanding over the past several years. Many of these uses are directly applicable to urban environments. Urban uses for biochar include tree planting, turf and soils quality management, compost additive, bioremediation, stormwater management, urban agriculture, green roofs, and construction materials (e.g. concrete and asphalt). While urban applications of biochar are expanding, the potential environmental impacts of these new uses have not yet been sufficiently assessed and quantified. The properties and environmental carbon footprint of biochar are significantly influenced by the type of feedstock biomass and the pyrolysis parameters. While this makes biochar a versatile material that can be produced to match a variety of end uses it also provides a significant challenge as a city's waste biomass type and availability will change seasonally. This requires a secure control and assessment system for biochar production and analysis that defines quality and safety standards for different biochar applications. However, while standards for production and analysis of biochar can provide important guidelines for its safe application, they do not necessarily outline the range of optimal biochar characteristics for various urban uses. This project focuses on understanding which biochar characteristics are most important for different end uses and what the ranges are for those characteristics. The project aims to match Minneapolis feedstock availability with the range of production parameters of the city's new pyrolysis plant so that the Minneapolis can produce high quality and safe biochars with the optimal material properties for its various urban application.

Research will include, but is not limited to, understanding mass and energy balances of pyrolysis bioenergy, biochar properties, system performance, and greenhouse gas emissions to provide information about opportunities to mitigate climate change, improve soil health, and reduce environmental pollution. Work will include gas, liquid and solid analyses using standard as well as advanced analytical equipment.

Competitive candidates will also possess the following attributes:

• Outstanding quantitative analytical skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience and skills with both field and lab work
• Creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things
• Experience with analytical equipment for gas, liquid and solid analyses
• Interest and experience in addressing environmental issues, climate change mitigation, soil health, waste management and research bridging natural sciences and engineering are required
• Skills in systems modeling, data analysis in R, grant and publication writing, are desirable
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to conduct an outreach program are needed

Position is initially for one year, and renewable for a second-year contingent upon performance, funding and available work.

Anticipated Division of Time:

• Design, build and perform field and lab experiments for data collection related to local biochar production, characterization, and urban applications (60%)
• Data analysis and authoring of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals (20%)
• Outreach and communication: Work with project partners, the Minnesota Biochar Initiative, practitioners, and local communities on education and implementation of biochar technologies (20%)

The successful candidate will receive training in professional and personal development, research collaboration, presentation and publication of results, outreach, and mentoring. There will be opportunities for development of additional research projects and proposal development related to the broader project goals.

The employment will be arranged by the College of Biological Science/MnDrive Environment at the University of Minnesota. The position includes a competitive salary and benefits including health insurance.

The ideal candidate has a doctoral degree in Environmental Engineering, Biogeochemistry, Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering or other relevant field, with demonstrated experience in biochar-bioenergy systems, soil science, biogeochemistry, carbon sequestration, climate mitigation, life cycle assessment, environmental policy and/or sustainable solutions for urban carbon management.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. A near-term start date is sought.
Applications should include: (i) brief cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) a brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals (under two pages), (iv) reprints of up to three relevant publications, and (v) the names and contact information for three references.

All materials should also be submitted as a single combined PDF to Sebastian Behrens (sbehrens@umn.edu) with "Postdoc Application" in the subject line.

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).

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:

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.