Faculty Research Assistant-Microalgae Optimization

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

6d • $50,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking to fill an Faculty Research Assistant – Microalgae Optimization position for the National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator Track M project entitled “SequestStar: capturing carbon and reusing waste streams.” 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 that captures carbon dioxide from the air. Bringing together microalgae and the waste streams of desalination plants, SequestStar will create calcium carbonate and algae products that can lower the carbon footprint of multiple industries. During this project, we will create an Input-to-Product pilot system, test industrial scale components, simultaneously optimize microalgae bioproducts and carbon-capture PCC production, conduct market research, carbon footprint, and techno-economic analyses, develop a Front-End Engineering Design of an industrial-scale facility, and participate fully in the Convergence Accelerator curriculum. We are looking for people who enjoy working across disciplines in a large and diverse team to create new technologies with significant societal impact. Additional information can be found at http://SequestStar.com. Based at the Horn Point Laboratory, and mentored by Dr. Greg Silsbe, the successful candidate will take an important role in experimental research, model development and report/paper preparation related to this program. The Faculty Research Assistant will take a leading role in conducting a series of optimization experiments to enhance microalgae biomass and carbonate ion production, and serve as a key member of the Algae Optimization Team.

Requirements

• A B.Sc. is required at the beginning of the period of employment.
• Experience in algal physiology, bioreactor culture and maintenance is required.

Responsibilities

• Conducting a series of optimization experiments to enhance microalgae biomass and carbonate ion production
• Experimental research
• Model development
• Report/paper preparation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level