Ville : Hamilton

Catégorie : Other

Industrie : Education

Employeur : McMaster University

Postdoctoral Fellow
Advanced Drying Techniques for Potash

Overview

The McMaster Institute for Energy Studies seeks a high caliber postdoctoral fellow with world-class expertise in the area advanced drying techniques for potash. Food security is poised to become one of the most pressing global challenges as the world’s population steadily increases. Meeting the growing demand for food will require not only substantial increases in agricultural production but also overcoming significant hurdles in the fertilizer production sector, which plays a crucial role in sustaining crop yields. Potash is a key component in fertilizer production as it plays a critical role in boosting crop yields. The process of transforming potash ore into its final product requires substantial energy, particularly in drying the ore to remove moisture. Currently, the drying process for potash relies heavily on thermal technologies, often using heat from natural gas to create the necessary conditions for drying. However, this method is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to GHG emissions.

The goal of this project is to develop alternative, energy-efficient drying methods that rely on carbon-free heat technologies. These technologies have the potential to reduce GHG emissions, increase drying efficiency, and reduce production cost. The applicant will join a multi-disciplinary research team working closely with the industry partner to build and conduct experiments for these alternative drying technologies. 

Job Description

Design and conduct research while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a research career. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available.

Research Topics

• Development of experimental bench scale testing apparatus for the alternative drying technologies,
• Emulate conventional rotary or fluidized bed drying using convective hot air technology
• Collection of experimental data for performance quantification and performance improvement
• Development of methodologies to compare alternative drying techniques
• Explore waste-heat energy recovery integration

Skillsets That Will Be Used and Developed:

• Networking and mentorship opportunities with technical staff from the industry partner
• Hands-on experience designing and building experimental test rigs
• Written communication skills through preparation of peer-reviewed journal papers
• Verbal communication skills through preparing and presenting research findings
• Creativity and Innovation through experimentation trial and error
• Data acquisition development and implementation
• Data analysis techniques
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Thermal energy measurement system design and data acquisition
• Data visualisation techniques

Required Qualifications

• A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a related engineering discipline (Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, Engineering Physics)
• Experience in any of the following: Heat Transfer, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Two-Phase Flow, Energy Systems, HVAC Load Prediction, Building Energy Modeling, or other Thermofluids Studies
• Demonstration of technical skills, proper handing of tools, and practising safety awareness
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a large team
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical skills

Assets

• Previous experience in programming languages (e.g. C++, Java, C#, Matlab, Python)
• Hands-on experience and knowledge of tools and/or equipment
• Publication(s) in relevant journals

Duration and Funding

The term of the fellowship is for 11 months. The annual salary is $63,000.00 CAD/year, with benefits, provided in accordance with McMaster University guidelines, and commensurate with experience. The normal hours of work are 35 hours per week, with a fully onsite work arrangement.