Recruit

The Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) invites applications for an Assistant Project Scientist to perform applied research on energy systems analysis, with an emphasis on life cycle assessment of technologies and pathways. The candidate should have a good understanding of energy systems and analysis strategies including techno-economic analysis, and process modeling and optimization, in areas such as renewable fuels such as hydrogen, battery technologies, transportation and electric grid modeling, and demonstration and deployment of novel systems and pathways. The candidate will conduct modeling and experimental work at CE-CERT and will participate in multiple projects.

The Bourns College of Engineering, Center for Environmental Research & Technology (CE-CERT)’s mission is to be a recognized leader in environmental education, a collaborator with industry and government to improve the technical basis for regulations and policy, a creative source of new technology, and a contributor to a better understanding of the environment. Established in 1992 and now operating as the largest research center at the University of California at Riverside, CE-CERT brings together multiple disciplines throughout campus to address society’s most pressing environmental challenges in air quality, climate change, energy, and transportation. CE-CERT’s activities encompass all three aspects of the University of California’s overarching mission: research, education, and public service.

The successful candidate will have a proven record of, or exceptional promise for, competence in the understanding of renewable energy systems, optimization strategies, and performance evaluation tools. Specific skills of interest include:
• Experience with LCA software tools such as OpenLCA, SimaPro, GaBi, GREET, and familiarity with LCA databases such as USLCI and Ecoinvent.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS or similar geographic information system mapping tools.
• Knowledge of Aspen Plus or other process engineering models.
• Relevant computer programming skills and experience (Ex. Python, MATLAB).
• Experience with data analysis and data management tools (Example: Excel (VBR), R, SAS, SQL).
• Possesses problem-solving, quantitative, and critical thinking skills in energy systems and relevant issues.
• Self-motivated and oriented, with the ability to work both independently and in close collaboration with team members.
• Possesses good oral and written communication skills with peers, colleagues, and collaborators, including the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Prepares written reports and journal articles based on research findings.

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in engineering or similar discipline and have 2 or more years of research experience with a strong publication record.

Advancement through the project scientist ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

The appointment is expected to begin after July 15, 2024. The duration of the appointment will be for two years dependent upon grant funding.

Review of applications will begin July 10, 2024, and the position is open until filled. To apply: Interested individuals are required to submit a cover letter, recently updated curriculum vitae, a minimum of three letters of reference, a Statement of Research, and a Contribution to Diversity Statement to the AP Recruit job posting https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF01915.

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table(s) https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/2023-24-academic-salary-scales.html The salary range for this position is $90,500 to $113,600. “Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. Salary will be commensurate upon education and experience in accordance with university-established salary scales found on the Office of the President’s website: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/index.html.

For more information on the Center for Environmental Research & Technology, please visit https://www.cert.ucr.edu/.

For inquiries and questions please refer to the contact email address under the specific recruitment on the AP Recruit website.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status.

For the University of California policies on Affirmative Action, Anti-Discrimination, and Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, see below.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, State, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.