''Research fellow with expertise in carbon dynamics of tropical and/or temperate agricultural or agro-forestry systems (PhD or PostDoc up to TV-L 14, full time) (Reference number BK 4)''
The position opens on or before 1st September 2011 for a period of two years with a possible extension.
The research fellow will be working for the Innovation Incubator project „Platform for Sustainable Aviation Fuels”. The broad research objectives of this project explore the following questions:
* Is it possible to produce renewable fuels in a sustainable way - without risking food security?
* Could the production of biokerosene feedstock mitigate poverty in developing countries?
* To what extent can afforestation with oil-bearing trees increase biodiversity, mitigate climate change and at the same time produce feedstock for renewable fuels?
Background: The International Air Traffic Association (IATA) is committed to the use of 10% renewable fuels by 2017 in order to reduce carbon emissions as well as the industry’s dependency on fossil fuels. As of today, plant oils are the most viable feedstock for biokerosene production. The volume required to fulfil IATA’s 2017 target is estimated at 10-20% of today's global plant oil production. The greatest challenge in this context is to produce large additional
volumes of plant oil in an environmentally and socially sustainable way. The research interest of the project is to analyze and advance existing concepts of sustainable plant oil production and to put them into practice by a spin-off company. These concepts comprise the use of oil bearing trees and shrubs in afforestation projects (e.g. Jatropha and Moringa) as well as intercropping systems including short seasoned oil plants (e.g. Camelina).
Headed by Prof. Schaltegger and Prof. Klein of the Leuphana University, an interdisciplinary team of researchers will develop concepts of a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable production of biokerosene feedstock on a global scale. Partner universities are Yale University (Prof. Bailis) and the University of South Australia (Prof. Burritt).
''Your tasks:
Concepts for carbon sequestration for oil producing land-use systems in the tropics:''
* Evaluate carbon dynamics in different plant oil production systems (using methods that are replicable and broadly deployable at relatively low cost)
* Identify measures to increase carbon sequestration of oil-producing land-use systems
* Publish key findings in peer-reviewed journals (dissertation/ habilitation)
Your profile:
* Masters Degree or PhD in environmental (tropical) sciences. forestry, agronomy, or allied field
* Previous research experience in assessing biomass and/or carbon dynamics and carbon sequestration processes and measurement techniques
* Excellent spoken and written English language skills
* Good statistics skills
The Leuphana University is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women are particularly encouraged. Candidates with
disabilities possessing equivalent qualifications will be given preference within the framework of legal requirements.
If you have any questions please contact: Katharina Averdunk (averdunk@leuphana.de)
Applications should be sent to:
bewerbungen.biokerosin@inkubator.leuphana.de
before 30th July 2011 (reference number BK4) including a CV, cover letter, and copies of relevant diploma and certifications.