Employer Description
The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM translates pioneering carbon management solutions from the (laboratory) bench-scale to pre-commercial/commercial-scale devices, prototypes, and (software) solutions. ICM's activities span two major focus areas:
(1) Technologies for carbon dioxide removal (from the atmosphere), utilization, and avoidance, and
(2) Technologies for creating new supply chains, and processing approaches for critical materials and elements (e.g., Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo) that are foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes. ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. Prominently, these action teams have enabled ICM-born technologies to be awarded the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, among others. ICM's technologies are now being commercialized via spin-out companies, including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and Equatic.
Role Description
ICM is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to develop advanced analytical frameworks, modeling approaches, and research methodologies that enhance the understanding of carbon management systems and the constraints affecting their deployment.
This position emphasizes research innovation, methodological development, and scholarly publication. Questions about the position and application should be sent to Emma Liao ([email protected]).
Responsibilities
- Design and execute experimental research programs to investigate key reaction mechanisms, process performance, and system behavior relevant to carbon removal technologies.
- Develop and apply process models and simulations (e.g., Aspen Plus or equivalent) to support interpretation of experimental results and guide process development.
- Analyze experimental and simulation data to derive insights, validate hypotheses, and support scale-up decisions.
- Contribute to the development of conceptual process designs, including process flow diagrams and preliminary system configurations.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to connect fundamental research findings to process design and demonstration-scale applications.
- Prepare technical reports, research manuscripts, and presentations for internal and external dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications.
- Participate in research discussions, design reviews, and cross-functional technical meetings.
- Identify opportunities for research innovation and improvement of experimental methods and analytical approaches.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, or related areas.
- Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and/or process modeling tools (e.g., Aspen Plus or similar).
- Demonstrated ability to publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Interest in climate technologies and carbon removal solutions.
Beneficial Assets
- Experience in industrial decarbonization, energy systems, or climate technologies.
- Familiarity with techno-economic analysis (TEA), life-cycle assessment (LCA), or systems modeling.
- Exposure to public policy, regulatory analysis, or government research initiatives.
- Experience with optimization methods, environmental economics, or industrial ecology.
Application Instructions:
All applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter describing their qualifications, fit and interest in the position (2-pages), and a relevant work sample.
*UCLA Postdoc Benefits Plan: https://www.postdoc.ucla.edu/resources/appointment-information/postdoctoral-scholar-health-benefits/
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $69,073.00 - $77,030.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
