PhD student-Modelling and techno-economic analysis of enzymatic CO2 capture in industry - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

Carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) is part of Canada’s plan to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Existing capture technologies are energy- and capital-intensive. CanmetENERGY of Natural Resources Canada is interested in evaluating and improving the energy, cost and environmental performance of established and promising carbon capture technologies. This work aims to answer critical questions that will support policy and program development for effective GHG reductions and enable industry to make well-informed investment decisions. Enzymatic CO2 capture offers several advantages and is one of the promising technologies being investigated.
The candidate will be responsible for developing a detailed simulation model of an entire absorption/desorption-based enzymatic CO2 capture process, including flue gas conditioning, CO2 separation as well as CO2 compression and purification. The model will be developed using the Aspen simulation platform and will incorporate kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed CO2 reactions. The candidate will integrate the enzymatic capture unit into a large industrial emitter and will perform a techno-economic analysis of the entire process. The candidate will also perform a range of simulations for different flue gas conditions and capture rates and do sensitivity analysis on operating and economic conditions. The capture cost, resources utilization and other performance metrics will be compared with other capture technologies involving enzyme or not.
The candidate will work closely with the CanmetENERGY CCUS team of Varennes in Quebec. The candidate will be required to attend team meetings, will produce reports presentations and potentially a scientific publication as part of this work. The work will be in hybrid mode i.e., partly on-site at the Varennes (QC) Research Centre and partly teleworking.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada, you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a PhD in Chemical Engineering degree at Laval University.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 1 references.

A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year

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

Essential qualifications
- Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Engineering (MEng), preferably in chemical engineering or other speciality relevant to the duties of the position.
- Confirmed enrollment in a Chemical Engineering Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program at Laval University for at least 1 year on February 1st, 2024
- Thesis topic related to the study of enzymatic CO2 capture.

Degree equivalency

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Experiences
- Experience in process modelling using Aspen simulation platform.
- Experience in techno-economic analysis.

Abilities:
- Ability to communicate effectively orally.
- Ability to work harmoniously in a multidisciplinary team.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment. Therefore, the student will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-related documents.

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

We thank all applicants for their interest in our position(s). For the purpose of this staffing process, only candidates selected for further assessment will be contacted.

For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/research-affiliate-program.html

You must provide proof of your education credentials. Transcripts and a list of courses may be required.

Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

Preference

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