Postdoctoral Scholar-Vasco Correa

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Postdoctoral Scholar – Process and Systems Modeling of Biomass Conversion Technologies

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in process modeling and techno-economic analysis of biomass conversion systems. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work in the laboratory of Dr. Juliana Vasco-Correa on a collaborative research project focused on developing and evaluating novel technologies for converting lignocellulosic biomass into value-added chemicals and bioproducts.

The successful candidate will develop computational models to evaluate integrated biomass conversion technologies, including biomass fractionation, catalytic and biochemical conversion, and bioproduct upgrading processes. Modeling approaches will include process simulation using tools such as Aspen Plus and BioSTEAM, techno-economic analysis, biomass supply chain and logistics modeling, and process optimization. The research will involve equipment sizing, capital and operating cost estimation, economic performance evaluation, and sensitivity and uncertainty analyses to assess the technical and economic viability of alternative process configurations, feedstocks, and production scales.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work closely with multidisciplinary research teams, integrating experimental data into computational models and providing feedback to guide technology development. The candidate will be expected to independently lead modeling activities, collaborate with project partners and other researchers, and provide guidance and mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students. The postdoc is expected to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, present results at conferences and project meetings, and prepare technical reports. The postdoc will receive mentorship and professional development opportunities tailored to their career goals.

Qualifications

Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field and be able to provide evidence that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire.

A Ph.D. in Chemical, Biological, Agricultural, Biosystems, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline is required. Demonstrated experience in process modeling and simulation, including mass and energy balances, process design, and techno-economic analysis, is required. Experience with process simulation tools such as Aspen Plus and/or BioSTEAM is strongly preferred. Experience in biomass supply chain and logistics modeling, process optimization, and sensitivity and uncertainty analysis is desirable. Familiarity with lignocellulosic biomass conversion, biorefinery systems, and chemical and biochemical processing is preferred. Programming experience, particularly in Python, is desirable. The candidate should possess strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills, ability to work in multidisciplinary research teams, and a track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Application Requirements Interested applicants should upload the following documents as a single PDF: (i) a cover letter detailing scientific interests, relevant qualifications, and future career goals; (ii) a CV including contact information for three references; and (iii) one or two representative publications.

Application review will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. This position will be located at Penn State in University Park, Pennsylvania

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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EEO IS THE LAW

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