Positions available in sustainable energy research:

Carbon Mineral Sequestration Postdoctoral Researcher

A postdoctoral position is available immediately to work on a novel carbon mineral sequestration project in the Carbon Sequestration Laboratory at Columbia University. The candidate must have a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field and expertise in one or more of the following areas: carbon sequestration, reaction engineering, energy conversion systems, alternative energy, synthesis of engineered particles, and multiphase flow systems. The project will focus on the synthesis of engineered materials for the carbon mineral sequestration process which will be integrated to the green liquid fuel technology. The post-doctoral researcher will be responsible for: experimental work, computer modeling and outreach efforts. Good verbal and written communication skills are required. Appointment is for up to 3 years contingent upon performance.

Solid Oxide CO₂ Electrochemistry Postdoctoral Position

A postdoctoral position is available immediately to work on high temperature electrochemical energy conversion technologies involving solid ceramic electrolytes. The candidate must have a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering or a related field and expertise in: assembling and running high-temperature test stands, electrochemical analytical measurements including impedance spectroscopy, electrode/electrolyte materials synthesis and fabrication of cell structures to optimize electrocatalytic properties. Work will entail leading experimental studies with high-temperature electrochemical systems such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, and gas separation membranes, including system integration and analytical models. The projects revolve around carbon electrochemistry and therefore include electrochemical oxidation of C or CO in a fuel cell, reduction of CO₂ and H₂O in an electrolyzer, and separation of CO₂, O₂ or H₂ from gas streams with ceramic membranes. Appointment is for up to 2 years contingent upon performance.

Reduced Emission Cement Kiln Researcher

A postdoctoral position is available immediately to work on an innovative reduced-emission cement kiln project. The candidate must have a Ph.D. in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, process engineering or a related field and expertise in one or more of the following areas: carbon sequestration, cement production, reaction engineering, energy conversion systems, alternative energy, synthesis of engineered particles, and multiphase flow systems. The Reduced Emission Oxygen-Enhanced concept aims to facilitate the capture of carbon dioxide from the cement industry and is based on an oxygen-blown cement kiln. The postdoctoral researchers will be responsible for: experimental work, computer modeling and outreach efforts. Good verbal and written communication skills are required. Appointment is for one year, with extension possible contingent upon successful outreach efforts with industry. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher but would consider a more senior appointment for the appropriate candidate.

Graduate Students

In addition, GRA (Ph.D. level) positions are available immediately to work on any of the following research areas: Carbon sequestration, high temperature ceramic electrochemistry, liquid fuel and hydrogen production from alternative energy sources, particle technology and electrostatic tomography. Bright students in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, and Mechanical Engineering are welcome to apply.

To apply for any of these positions, please send curriculum vitae and names of three references to:

Klaus S. Lackner
Director, Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy
Columbia University
918 S.W. Mudd Hall (MC 4711)
500 W. 120th Street
New York, NY 10027

Phone: 212-854-0304
Fax: 212-854-7081
E-mail: eee-coord@columbia.edu