POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION AVAILABLE

Department of Engineering and Public Policy

Center for Energy and Environmental Studies

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This position involves the development and application of engineering and economic models of advanced fossil fuel power generation technologies and environmental control systems for capturing carbon dioxide and other air pollutants.

Under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE/NETL) we have developed an integrated set of fossil fuel technology performance and cost models for use in preliminary design of current and advanced power plants meeting stringent emission control requirements. The overall modeling framework is called the Integrated Environmental Control Model (IECM, available at www.iecm-online.com. The principal power systems of interest are coal-based integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) systems and pulverized coal (PC) combustion systems. Key components of these designs include coal gasifiers, coal combustors, gas turbines, steam turbines, oxygen plants, and a variety of chemical or physical processes for removing air pollutants and greenhouse gases from flue gas or fuel gas streams. Environmental technologies of interest are systems for CO_2 capture and storage (CCS), as well as other systems for control of sulfur, nitrogen, particulates and mercury emissions. The use and application of these models is intended to support the analysis of a broad range of technology and policy issues related to energy and the environment. Such issues include global climate change, R&D planning, technology assessment, risk assessment, and environmental management.

In this research the IECM modeling capabilities will be significantly expanded to develop and incorporate performance and cost models for a broader range of IGCC system designs with and without CCS. Future work also will develop and incorporate new models of power plant water systems and usage.

The successful applicant should have a background and training in chemical or mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline or experience. Strong quantitative, analytical and computational skills are essential. Familiarity with energy and environmental technologies, and with computer simulation software programs (e.g., Aspen-Plus or Matlab) are highly desirable but not essential. Good communication skills are required, along with an ability to work effectively and creatively as part of a research team involving graduate students, other postdoctoral researchers, faculty and full-time research staff, as well as interactions with DOE research sponsors.

The position is available as of September 2007, or until filled. The initial appointment is for a period of one year with a high potential for annual renewals. Salary and benefits are competitive with similar positions elsewhere, commensurate with the applicant’s background and experience. To apply, please send a resume and names of three professional references to:

Prof. E.S. Rubin, Dep’t of Engineering & Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, or email: rubin [at] cmu [dot] edu