Assistant Research Scientist-Calcium Carbonate Digital Twin

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science • UMCES Horn Point Laboratory, MD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking to fill an Assistant Research Scientist – Calcium Carbonate Digital Twin position for the National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator program entitled “SequestStar.” Our vision for the Phase 2 Convergence Accelerator is to advance the SequestStar technology down the path to commercialization with significant input from end users. SequestStar will be an economically viable and environmentally-friendly biomanufacturing process. Bringing together microalgae and the waste streams of desalination plants, SequestStar will create environmentally-friendly, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and algae products. During this project, we will create an Input-to-Product pilot system and simultaneously optimize microalgae bioproducts and PCC production. We are looking for people who enjoy working across disciplines in a large and diverse team to create new technologies with significant societal impact. Based at the Horn Point Laboratory, and mentored by Drs. Andrea Pain and Elizabeth North, the successful candidate will take an important role in experimental research by developing a Digital Twin of our PCC reactor. This Digital Twin will simulate precipitation dynamics of calcium carbonate and co-precipitates and will describe mineral saturation states, precipitation kinetics, and estimate mass yields. In addition, the successful candidate will participate in virtual team meetings and help design experiments to test the Digital Twin.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. is required at the beginning of the period of employment.
• Experience in analytical chemistry.
• Experience in carbonate chemistry.
• Experience in calcium carbonate precipitation and applications.
• Programming in R and/or python.
• Experience in thermodynamic and kinetic geochemical modeling.

Responsibilities

• Developing a Digital Twin of our PCC reactor.
• Simulating precipitation dynamics of calcium carbonate and co-precipitates.
• Describing mineral saturation states, precipitation kinetics, and estimating mass yields.
• Participating in virtual team meetings.
• Helping design experiments to test the Digital Twin.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree