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The Energy Conversion Group at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of bioenergy and building technologies. This position will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of air pollutant emissions from combustion sources, with a particular focus on emerging biofuels, hydrogen and solid biomass fuels.

Position Description

The role encompasses the setup of sophisticated experiments to measure air pollutant emissions from emerging combustion sources and fuels (conventional, bio-based, and e-fuels or low-carbon). This involves real-time monitoring of PM emissions with detailed characterization and assessing parameters such as PAHs, organic speciation, black/brown carbon emissions, and trace elements. Additionally, the focus of this position is working with current team members and collaborators to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and optimize the overall performance of biomass heaters through the exploration of advanced combustion techniques by developing cutting-edge monitoring, sensor, and automation equipment and analyzing diverse datasets to gain valuable insights into customer preferences, use patterns, and the impact on wood heater performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up and execute in-lab measurements, focusing on the characterization of PM and gaseous emissions from combustion appliances.
• Participate in preparing presentations, reports, and publications based on research findings.
• Conduct CFD analysis for modeling heat transfer and fluid flow.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical, or Earth and Environmental Engineering or related field
• Demonstrated understanding of the basics of fuels, combustion, and processes leading to the formation of air pollutant emissions.
• Experience with data acquisition set-up and use, including signal wiring, circuits, sensors, and communication protocols (e.g. LabVIEW or PLC software)
• Demonstrated programming skills and familiarity with data analysis software (e.g. Python, MATLAB, R)
• Hands-on experience with particle and gas measurement systems

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in electrical power wiring, machining, welding, and controls. Understanding of mechanical and electrical schematics based on incomplete experimental needs and/or requirements.
• Proficiency in CFD software such as ANSYS, FLUENT, or CONVERGE is highly desired.
• Skilled in instrumentation used to characterize PM emissions based on size, number, mass, and speciation (e.g. Dekati ELPI, DMA/CPMA, CPC, NPET, SMPS) Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry skills for PAH analysis and understanding of EPA TO-15. Solid knowledge of wet chemistry techniques used in EPA certification test methods for emission factor determination
• Demonstrated understanding and experience with air pollutant emission measurements, including EPA standard methods

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Ability for extended work in-lab and periodic field testing

Other Information:

• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $70,200 - $116,200. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
• Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.