Post-doctoral position description: Biofuels and bio-products from agricultural feed stocks
Justification: California's agricultural sector can contribute to the state's transportation energy supply, with associated economic and environmental benefits. However, there is also concern about potential displacement of food crops and environmental effects from production of crop-based transportation fuels and bio-products. These effects have not been adequately researched. Energy crops cultivated specifically for biofuel production are seen as potential feed stocks for California-produced fuels. There is a need to evaluate and model agronomic best management practices, and demonstrate the production of energy crops suitable for California's diverse farming conditions, but it is necessary determine the energy, environmental and economic implications from using biomass crops as part of California's transportation energy strategy. Description of responsibilities: A three-year post-doctoral or project scientist position is available in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis, beginning in February, 2010. It is focused on the identification of best management practices, yield potential and the agro-ecological effects for a variety of annual and perennial biomass crops including oilseeds, sweet sorghum, and sugar cane. The scientist will help manage a multi-year grant, coordinate the work of several scientists and agronomic staff, consolidate and analyze data from a range of experiments in diverse locations throughout the state, and model yield and resource use for the crops investigated. The scientist will participate with a research team developing economic and ecological assessments for the crops investigated. The scientist will participate in and create field experiments and demonstration trials with a group of participating scientists and technicians, coordinate data collection and develop and supervise the project's data base, create mandated reports for the funding agency, and technical reports and peer-review publications based on research outcomes. Description of qualifications: a PhD in agronomy or a related discipline is required. The scientist should have demonstrated experience with agronomic research, instrumentation for the measurement of crop physiological parameters, and familiarity with plot and farm-scale equipment. Statistical and simulation modeling is part of the project, so training, experience and demonstrated capability with these skills is desirable. Salary and benefits: $45 to 58$K per year plus benefits, depending on the successful candidate's level of qualifications and experience. Please direct inquiries and send a letter of interest, an explanation of background, transcripts and four references to: Dr. Stephen Kaffka, Director, California Biomass Collaborative, Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-8790. [email protected]
