Faculty Research Assistant-Input to Product Pilot System

We are seeking to fill a Faculty Research Assistant – Input-to-Product pilot system position for the recently funded Phase 2 National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator Track M program entitled “SequestStar: capturing carbon and reusing waste streams.” We are seeking well-qualified candidates with experience in prototype development, troubleshooting systems, and technical/experimental support.

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.

Position Description: Based at the Horn Point Laboratory, and mentored by Dr. Elizabeth North, the successful candidate will assist with assembling and the day-to-day running of the Input-to-Product pilot system, support the experimental research of the full team (including microalgae and calcium carbonate optimization experiments), and assist the program manager with market research, meeting coordination, and team management. The technician will support the full Convergence Accelerator team, especially those at Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, MD, and at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore, MD

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors Degree in related field and at least two years experience working with one or more aspects of assembling pilot systems (i.e., piping, electrical, internet of things) and/or lab-based research experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Masters Degree preferred

Physical Demands: Physical demands of the position include lifting buckets of water and climbing on scaffolding.  

Required Application Materials: Cover letter describing relevant research experience, interests and goals, (2) a current CV or resume, and (3) contact information for three references.

Best Consideration Date: n/a

Posting Close Date: n/a

Open Until Filled: yes