Research Assistant in sustainability/techno-economic assessment of circular agricultural systems

Job Description

The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at the Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications for a 1 ½ year Research Assistant position in circular economy and sustainability assessment. This position is available from 01 June 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The project, financed by the Horizon Europe funded project named “Pushing the frontier of circular agriculture by converting residues into novel economic, social and environmental opportunities” (), aims to provide decision support on the quantitative environmental sustainability and techno-economic performance of circular future agricultural systems. 

The overall goal of AgriLoop is to develop safe-and-sustainable-by-design bioconversion processes and integrate them into a cascading biorefinery approach, to convert agri-residues from tomato, soy, straw, potato, brewery, oil, winery and livestock sectors, among others, into plant and microbial proteins, polyesters and other bio-based chemicals.

Qualifications
The successful candidates should have the following qualifications:

Good command of analytical expertise and data science are regarded as beneficial. Likewise experience with simulation software such as AspenPlus and programming is seen as an advantage.

Ability to work in an international multidisciplinary environment is also an advantage. A collaborative mindset and proven track record is an advantage. 

Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills as well as an excellent command of the English language (both written and spoken) are desired.

SDU Life Cycle Engineering
The successful candidates will be affiliated with the SDU Life Cycle Engineering, which is acknowledged for its unique research on global, holistic, and systems integration of agriculture, energy, and materials sectors. 

The Department of Green Technology is located in Odense, the main campus of the University of Southern Denmark. Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs. 

Further information about this position is available from Assistant Professor Benyamin Khoshnevisan [email protected] or Head of SDU LCE, Professor MSO Morten Birkved [email protected]. 

If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected]. 

Conditions of employment
Employment as a Research Assistant is temporary and limited to 1 ½ yrs. The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on salary and taxation.

Research will be predominant in the position. Furthermore, other types of assignments, typically communication oriented, may occur to a limited degree. 

Application procedure

Before applying the candidates are expected to read the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering. 

The application shall include the following information in English: 

Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included.

Deadline for application: 15 May, 2024 11:59pm/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment and selection process

Read about the Assessment and selection process. 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. 

Interviews and tests may be part of the process.

Formalities

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.