BRI Research Intern
BRI Research Intern
Biorefining Research Institute (BRI)
12 month
contract
Job Description: The Biorefining Research Institute (BRI, www.lubri.lakeheadu.ca) at Lakehead University is seeking an exceptional, highly-motivated researcher to develop research projects in the area of biomass Biorefining. The successful candidate will conduct a research feasibility study on the technical and socio-economic feasibility of converting locally-available biomass and waste into biofuels and value-added products. This study will form part of a new Sustainable Energy Community Initiative for Northern Ontario (SECINO) that aims at providing alternative underutilized sources for generation of renewable energy and value-added products for the City of Thunder Bay and the region, including rural and aboriginal communities. The goal of SECINO is to develop technological solutions and implementation strategies that can address the socio-economic and environmental challenges local communities are currently facing. The focus will be on the local and regional situation, and the development of sustainable energy sources for remote Northern Ontario communities. At great expense, these communities currently import large quantities of petrodiesel from outside the region. Petrodiesel can be replaced with renewable energy alternatives such as biodiesel, bio-oil, biohydrogen and bioethanol. Feedstocks for the production of alternative biofuels include industrial and municipal biomass waste of low- or negative-value such as municipal solid waste, agri-waste, forestry waste, industrial waste, food waste, etc. The feasibility study will include: 1) assessment and characterization of the waste biomass availability in Thunder Bay and vicinity; 2) evaluation of bioprocessing alternatives for conversation of waste biomass to biofuels and value-added products, 3) evaluation of research facilities and infrastructure required to undertake the energy initiative; 4) techno-economic evaluation of proposed initiative, and its social and environmental and impact on Northern Ontario. The BRI Research Intern will work on establishment of productive partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders across different sectors including local industry, City of Thunder Bay, federal government, local farmers, provincial and federal funding agencies, non-profit organizations, etc.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with completed graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in Chemistry, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Biotechnology or related disciplines. This position will involve working both independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, preparing papers, reports, and contributing to grants. Candidates should have a productive research history, high creativity, self-motivation, strong problem solving abilities, and good written and communication skills in English.
Performance Measurement: The BRI Research Intern?s progress will be measured through: 1) regular meetings and presentations of research progress; 2) regular communication with project partners and community contributors; 3) regular progress reports and a final written report as required in the 11th month of the project. Journal publications will be encouraged as the ultimate outcome and measure of the candidate's success.
Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must be graduates of post-secondary degree or diploma programs who have graduated within the last three (3) years from an accredited college or university. The position must provide the intern with first-time employment in their field of study. Candidates are only eligible to participate in the internship program one time. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Deadlines: Application deadline is January 11, 2016. The BRI Research Intern appointment will be for 12 months with a start date of February 15, 2016 or sooner.
Please email applications including: 1) cover letter highlighting education background, research interests, career plans; 2) copies of transcripts for graduate degree; 3) detailed CV with contact information for at least three (3) references to:
Lew P. Christopher, PhD, PE
Director, Biorefining Research Institute
Senior Ontario Research Chair
Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1
Email: lew.christopher@lakeheadu.ca
Phone: +1-807-343-8844