Faculty (Open Rank) - TechnoEconomic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment for Energy and Climate Engineering Technologies
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Description

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) is a unique interdisciplinary school launched by the University of Chicago in 2011 with the aim of translating molecular and quantum science into technological solutions with potential societal impact in health and immunology, energy/water/materials, environmental sustainability, and quantum information technology. PME does groundbreaking research that spans polymeric materials, new water purification methods, battery materials, sensing applications, self-assembly of materials to prevent and treat disease, and more. PME is affiliated with Argonne National Laboratory, an independent unit within the university, and joint appointment is encouraged when appropriate.

The Climate Systems Engineering initiative was launched in 2023 as a university-wide initiative to apply insights from systems engineering and climate systems science to study technologies that might reduce the risks of accumulated greenhouse gases. It works to advance understanding of the potential benefits and risks of technologies including solar geoengineering from modification to surface albedo to space-based systems; open-systems carbon removal such as enhanced rock weathering and related methods of ocean carbon removal; and local interventions to reduce glacial melting.

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering invites applications for multiple faculty positions (tenure-track assistant professor or tenured associate or full professor) at the intersection of technoeconomic analysis (TEA), life cycle analysis (LCA), and emerging energy and climate engineering technologies (TEA/LCA Energy and Climate Engineering Technologies). Tenure lines will be housed within the PME and successful candidates will be expected to affiliate with the UChicago Climate Systems Engineering Initiative (CSEi) https://climateengineering.uchicago.edu/.

Successful candidates' primary research is expected to focus on conducting in-depth technoeconomic and life cycle analyses of emerging energy and climate engineering technologies. Ideal candidates will work closely with engineers, scientists, and business analysts to assess the environmental, economic, and technical feasibility of various energy and climate engineering technologies. The PME is a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment that promotes deep collaborative opportunities between modeling and experimental research groups.

We welcome applicants working in developing models to simulate the economic impact of scaling technologies and comparing the economic performance of different technology pathways for decarbonization and climate engineering. Other areas of interest include (but are not limited to) assessing the environmental impacts associated with the entire lifecycle of energy and materials technologies; analysis of supply chain and material flows across stages of production, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling; and quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy inputs, and other environmental impacts using software tools. We encourage collaboration with other PME and CSEi research teams to align analysis with technology development goals, particularly in emerging energy and climate engineering technologies, including but not limited to battery storage, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), carbon removal, hydrogen, and recycling or re-use technologies. We especially welcome applicants familiar with energy and carbon market analysis and integration of new technologies into existing systems, as well experience with energy, carbon, and climate policy analysis and regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications

Before the start of employment, qualified applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field of study and have a strong record of independent research. Candidates for Associate or Full Professor must have evidence of leadership in their field and an outstanding track record of independent research, allowing them to qualify for appointment as a tenured professor in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (or jointly with another department in the University). All successful candidates will be expected to establish and maintain a robust research program and teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Application Instructions

Candidates should apply online through the University of Chicago's Interfolio website: http://apply.interfolio.com/158546.

Applicants must upload:

• Cover letter
• CV including bibliography
• Research statement (a statement describing past and current research accomplishments and outlining future research plans)
• Teaching statement. This statement may also include the candidate's experience in teaching diverse students. The University's Diversity Statement can be found at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.
• Contact information for three references who can provide confidential letters of evaluation

The following materials are optional:

• Up to three published or unpublished research papers

Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled. Please contact Daphne Gavins at ddgavins@uchicago.edu with any questions.

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