Ledig stilling ved Nord universitet
NRC-funded postdoctoral position in GHG capturing in cowsheds
Deadline: 07.04.2019
About the position
A three- (four-) year postdoctoral position is available at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University (Steinkjer, Norway).
FBA invites applications from motivated candidates for a three- (four-) year postdoctoral position within the project “Solution towards sustainable Zero Emission Cowshed economically beneficial for the farmer (ZEC) funded by the Research Programme BIONÆR/BIONAER in the Research Council of Norway.
SINTEF AS is the project owner, and the project will be carried out in close cooperation with Nord University. The postdoc candidate will be affiliated with the Animal Science, Production and Welfare division, situated at Nord University, Steinkjer, Norway.
ZEC summary and objectives
Methane (CH4) has a long residence time in the atmosphere and a global warming potential more than 10-14 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). The effect of CH4 from cattle is of high importance, as it accounts for 70% of the CH4 release from the Norwegian agriculture sector.
The quantity produced CH4 depends on several factors, e.g. type of feed. The amount of methane released from Norwegian cattle is estimated to be approximately 400 l/cow per day on average.
The aim of the ZEC project is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from cowsheds by converting CH4 to CO2 through catalytic combustion of methane produced by the cattle. Utilizing the heat of combustion for energy purposes on the farm is part of the scope.
ZEC has an interdisciplinary approach and include these activities:
- Measuring and modelling of methane concentrations in cowsheds with different ventilation systems (Nord University).
- Examine possibilities for up-concentration of CH4 inside the cowsheds. The aim is to achieve concentration that can maintain catalytic combustion.
- Develop the catalytic combustion unit (SINTEF).
- Demonstrate the technology and prototype system in the lab and on-site in Norwegian cowsheds (SINTEF and Nord University in collaboration with partners).
Qualification and requirements
The candidate should have a PhD degree (or equivalent) in agricultural engineering with focus on livestock environment and housing systems, or a PhD degree in another relevant field according to the scope of the project.
We are looking for highly motivated, creative and ambitious applicants with a good academic record and the ability to collaborate with other members of a multidisciplinary team.
The successful candidate is expected to participate in all activities related to ZEC and her/ his responsibilities include:
- Designing and performing measurements and experiments in close collaboration with the ZEC project group;
- Perform the field work with on-farm measurements, experiments and technology testing;
- Collaboration with other members of the ZEC team;
- Reporting and publishing results;
- Participation in knowledge transfer and dissemination activities;
- Supervision of graduate and undergraduate students, as well as visiting researchers;
- Dependent on the candidates background and teaching skills, the position will be considered extended to a four year engagement, including 25% teaching at Nord University, division for Animal Science, Production and Welfare.
A background or training in the following topics are all advantageous for this position: ventilation systems in livestock buildings, air quality analysis, gas detections, air flow modelling, energy systems.
Proficiency in oral and written English is essential and must be documented either by the Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification or internationally recognised certificates, such as TOEFL, IELTS, APIEL or similar.
Norwegian language is an advantage, especially with a view to the teaching part.
We offer
The salary offered is in accordance with the Norwegian State Salary Scale (Postdoctor, code 1352). The Salary is set from wage level 59 - 68 in the Norwegian State Salary Scale (approximately NOK 515 000 - 610 000 per year). Salary will be determined by agreement.
- Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for borrowing, insurance and pension.
- Creative and collegial working environment
- A workplace with steady progressive development
- Flexible working hours
- Active university sports team
General information
The person who is appointed must abide by the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.
The public sector workforce is expected to reflect the diversity of the population in general. Nord University therefore encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds or different life experience to apply. Nord University practices moderate allocation according to gender quotas in accordance with the Basic Agreement for State Employees.
If applicants indicate they have disabilities or gaps in their CV, their details may be used anonymously for the purposes of recording whether this target is achieved or not.
Contact information
Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting :
- Associate professor Geir Næss (e-mail: geir.nass@nord.no; telephone: +47 74 11 21 42).
Questions related to the application process should be addressed to the senior adviser:
- Tom Kilskar (e-mail: tom.kilskar@nord.no; telephone +47 74 11 22 58).
Application process
Applicants will be evaluated by an expert committee. Short-listed applicants will be called for an interview and trial lecture. These will be decisive for the appointment.
Application
Applications must be submitted electronically by 07.04.2019.
Applicants for this position are requested to include the following information:
- Cover letter outlining the candidate’s suitability for this position, relevant experience and how she/ he will contribute to the successful implementation of ZEC (maximum 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- List of publications and early career achievements (maximum 2 pages)
- Certified copies of academic degree transcripts and English proficiency
- Contact details for at least three referees
Please do not upload any documents that have not been requested (e.g., theses and manuscripts), since these will not be evaluated.
All documents must be uploaded as attachments to the electronic application form.
It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.
After the application deadline, an applicant list will be announced publicly. Applicants asking for confidentiality must specifically explain the reasons for this in their application. Even so, the information can be published if the reasons for confidentiality are not found relevant. In such the case, an applicant will be given notice prior to the announcement, and he/she will have opportunity to withdraw the application
Refnr. 30083977
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