Biorefinery - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

CanmetENERGY of Natural Resources Canada is interested in evaluating established and emerging hydrogen production and utilization pathways to support the Office of Energy Research and Development’s H2CS R&D Program. Biomass-enhanced hydrogen production via electrocatalysis is one of the innovative and emerging pathways being investigated to support achieving the 2030 and 2050 net-zero objectives.

The candidate will be responsible for designing the hydrogen production method based on biomass transformation in combination with alkaline water electrolysis. A simple organic material model will be used as a baseline to establish the experimental reference benchmark of such method. Diverse biomass preprocessing systems will be evaluated to minimize the applied electric potential for attaining an industrial scale relevant current density. The candidate will perform sensitivity analyses to determine which among the input parameters are most beneficial to make such a pathway eco-efficient and cost-efficient.

In parallel to this experimental work, the candidate will design a standardized life-cycle assessment (LCA) framework to evaluate the environmental performance of a biomass enhanced production system. This will be achieved through modeling and simulations using OpenLCA and Aspen software along with I-BIOREF-based case studies. The LCA of such emerging electrochemical method will be compared with traditional methods for hydrogen production such as steam reforming with and without CO2 capture and gasification of biomass into hydrogen.

The candidate will work (telework) closely with CanmetENERGY’s Biorefinery engineers and researchers for the duration of the project, but will use the modeling and simulation platforms autonomously. The candidate will produce reports and presentations as part of this work.

Intent of the process

This is a student position for a student completing a Master of Applied Science thesis over a two year period.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Candidates should write a one page (maximum) cover letter that demonstrates how they meet the experience criteria listed below."

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Confirmed enrollment in a Master of Science program in a Canadian university.

Degree equivalency

Experience in planning and executing technical interviews with industry and government stakeholders.
Experience in working with clients from industry and/or research organizations.
Experience in programming and computing platform such as but not limited to Matlab.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English or French

Information on language requirements

Basic knowledge of I-BIOREF software platform and/or commercial Aspen Plus software
Basic knowledge of life cycle assessment
Basic knowledge of electrochemical processes and bio-resources

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.