Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment

University of Illinois

SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST

A Senior Research Scientist  position is available as part of the Sustainability Theme in the new U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center (BRC), the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI). Using a data-driven and integrated modeling framework, CABBI Sustainability Theme researchers will develop the predictive capability to determine which feedstock combinations, regions and land types, market conditions, and bioproducts have the potential to support the ecologically and economically sustainable displacement of fossil fuels. Key areas of emphasis will be to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the plant, soil, microbe, and climate interactions that underlie the productivity and ecosystem services of different feedstocks, and on investigating the technological and economic pathways to a sustainable and resilient bioeconomy. The Sustainability Theme will provide CABBI’s environmental and economic lens, closing the loop on an integrated research program.  This position will conduct problem-oriented and policy relevant research developing economic models to understand theincentives for producing and consuming advanced biofuels and bioproducts and their implications for land use change, water and water quality andgreenhouse gas emissions.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Study the effects of risk and uncertainty, contractual arrangements, and policy incentives for the production of bioenergy. Closely collaborate with scientists from other disciplines, managing large datasets, and leading research to high quality publications.
• Conduct research on the economic and environmental effects of biofuels and bioproducts by developing computational and econometric models, compiling layers of data for the modeling in conjunction with other collaborators, preparing publications and making presentations to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Overseeing and training graduate students.
• Participate in the writing of grant proposals for funding from various sources and in assisting with preparation of quarterly and annual reports to the funding agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Required: Ph.D. in agricultural economics, environmental and resource economics, energy economics, operations research or related field. Alternate degree fields may be considered/accepted depending on depth and breadth of experience and skills as related to this position.

Experience:

• Required: Experience in computational methods linking economic models with biophysical and hydrological models, spatial analysis, dynamic optimization. At least 5 years of experience in related research after PhD and a record of publications.
• Preferred:  Previous supervisory experience.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Required: Outstanding ability to perform thoughtful, critical quantitative analysis. Excellent communication skills and an interest in working with interdisciplinary researchers.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Start Date: As soon as possible after the close date

Appointment Status: Full-time academic professional, grant-supported appointment renewable annually pending continued funding and satisfactory progress within the position. Qualified individuals will be eligible to receive vacation, sick, and personal leave; retirement through the State Universities Retirement System; and group health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Applications must be received by December 14, 2018. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu by the close of the posting period. Interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date; however, a hiring decision will not be made until after the closing date. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references.  All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.  The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

For further information, please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, elhanson@illinois.edu.