Research Associate for the Project “UPTAKE/PyMiCCS” (Horizon Europe Climate/BMBF) § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Research Associate for the Project UPTAKE / PyMiCCS (Horizon Europe Climate / BMBF) 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Institute for Geology

Salary level

Start date 01.10.2024 or later, fixed for a period of 30 months (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG ).

Application deadline 09.08.2024

Scope of work full-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is inevitable in scenarios which ensure to stay below the 1.5 or 2 target by the end of the century.

As a swift deployment is necessary and many unknowns remain.

To evaluate the synergy effects of co-deployment of biochar and rock dust for enhanced weathering, lab experiments have been conducted.

Within project PyMiCCS, these results have to be evaluated and prepared to be integrated into global soil and ecosystem models.

Furthermore, a group of researchers from ecologists and soil scientists to geologists has to be coordinated and results harmonized.

In close connection to the results found within PyMiCCS, EU-funded project UPTAKE aims to facilitate the global and sustainable upscaling of CDR by developing a set of robust strategies through technical, theoretical, and practical analyses.

The UPTAKE approach will allow the assessment of geographical, sectoral, socioeconomic, demographic, and temporal trade-offs, co-benefits, and opportunities emerging from portfolios of different CDR methods.

You will be responsible for several project tasks related to geochemical CDR methods (with a focus on Enhanced Weathering and Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement) :

• contribution to a comprehensive and systematic review of CDR approaches by screening the latest literature and evidence pertaining to Enhanced Weathering and Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OA) and emerging geochemical CDR approaches like alkalinity reactors
• evaluation of various methodological pathways for Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement in cooperation with project partners from across Europe, your responsibilities also include providing detailed data on energy demand and associated costs for Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement pathwaysto determine feasible locations for alkalinity deployment, you will develop transport and deployment scenarios while considering CO2 uptake potential
• assessment and refinement of the potential and techno-economics of terrestrial Enhanced Weathering, including its CDR potential, agricultural benefits, soil acidification reversal, and reduced fertilizer usage
• methodology development and improvements should also feed into life cycle assessments (LCA) for Enhanced Weathering and Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement
• results are expected to be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

• expertise in Enhanced Weathering and Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement CDR methods
• strong research and analytical skills
• expressed familiarity with the carbonate system chemistry, especially in the marine environment
• some familiarity with life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic assessment (TEA) methodologies and environmental impact assessments
• excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting research findings and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams
• ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment
• strong organizational and project management skills

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us.

Our guiding principle Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world.

We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.