Grossunternehmen |
2000 Angestellte (Schweiz) |
| Temporaire: Non | Taux: 100% |
| CH-5303 Würenlingen | Langue:en |
| Site internet |
The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within
Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health
innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions
for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations.
Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300
people.
The Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis (LEA) is an interdivisional laboratory of the Nuclear Energy and Safety
Research Division (NES) and the PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences (CEE). It unites specific analytical
research concerning diverse energy technologies and systems, including nuclear, fossil and (modern) renewables. In
cooperation with external partners (e.g. the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) and many others), LEA carries
out environmental and economic technology assessment and energy systems analyses relevant for energy policy.
For the Technology Assessment Group in the Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis (LEA) we are looking for a
Postdoctoral Fellow for environmental assessment of decarbonization strategies in mining and supply chains of critical
raw materials in the context of the European Green Deal
Your tasks
You will perform prospective environmental Life Cycle Assessment (pLCA) of critical raw material (CRM) extraction
processes and associated supply chains on a global level. These CRM supply chains represent a central pillar of the
transformation of the European economy and society towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions and their decarbonization
will have to be ensured without causing major environmental trade-offs. In this context, you will integrate material
flow analysis (MFA) and pLCA and investigate recycling and circular economy options to reduce demand for primary
material supply. Further, you will evaluate a broad portfolio of options to decarbonize the CRM supply chains from
mineral extraction to end-of-life of the products using those CRM, including low-carbon technologies, but also material
substitution, 2nd life applications and material efficiency measures. In addition, you will analyze geographical
differentiation of CRM supply chains in the context of supply risks.
To this end, you will collaborate with leading experts in mining and supply chain management. You will use the
brightway and premise LCA frameworks, linking energy system or integrated assessment models and LCA. Furthermore, you
will (further) develop approaches for regionalized LCA and apply these to CRM value chains worldwide to consider
regional or even site-specific boundary conditions and to quantify impacts on human health and ecosystems in a
regionalized way.
Key research issues include the identification and the quantitative evaluation of decarbonization strategies for CRM
supply chains key to reach European net zero targets; the quantification of environmental co-benefits and adverse
side-effects of such CRM value chains from a pLCA perspective; and how European CRM supply can be diversified in the
future considering a broad range of potential supply risks, also in the context of relevant policy initiatives such as
the European Critical Raw Material Act.
All tools and workflows will be open and FAIR. Your work will be part of a Horizon Europe project with leading
research institutions and direct collaboration with industrial partners.
Your profile
- PhD degree in natural science, industrial ecology, engineering, or similar fields
- Several years of experience in environmental Life Cycle Assessment
- Specific advanced LCA skills: familiar with ecoinvent, brightway, and premise
- Profound knowledge of Python
- Interest in open software development
- Profound knowledge of English
- Solid experience in project management and collaborative project work
- Independent working style
- Communication skills to work well in a team
We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a
systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational
training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to
support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.
For further information, please contact Christian Bauer, phone +41 56 310 23 91 or email christian.bauer@psi.ch.
Please submit your application online by 14 February 2025 (including list of publications and addresses of referees)
(for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 4501-00).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerlandwww.psi.chApply now