Responsibilities: A postdoctoral research position is available at the Air Quality Research Center (AQRC) at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). The selected Postdoctoral Scholar will primarily work on a project that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two leading methane emissions control strategies: landfill cover methane oxidation and automated gas collection systems. Additionally, the project will involve collecting site-specific parameters in the field for testing, which will inform simulations in the California Landfill Methane Inventory Model (CALMIM). The successful candidate will join a research team, headed by Dr. Ramin Yazdani, to conduct on-site methane oxidation measurement and other field parameters at three selected Californian sites across different seasons, as part of a two-year research endeavor sponsored by the California Air Resources Board. This scholar may also contribute to other research projects related to landfill emissions measurements.

Field data and methane oxidation data will be collected on three distinct cover types at three landfill sites over one year, focusing on areas under gas vacuum and uncontrolled sections. Analyses will compare emission estimates from the model using default and site-specific input parameters, quantitatively assess emissions across varying cover types and materials, and propose model enhancements for better alignment with field conditions. The project will also gather and scrutinize landfill gas well data, monitor barometric pressure changes, measure the gas pressure gradient at the interface of waste and cover soil, and document emissions measurements to assess the effectiveness of automated gas collection systems in reducing emissions.

The appointed individual will be primarily responsible for setting up equipment, such as flux chambers, collecting soil and gas samples for on-site and laboratory analyses, recording field measurements, and maintaining field instruments. They will transport equipment to sites, design and execute laboratory and field experiments aligned with the project's objectives, calibrate gas analyzers and monitoring sensors, and compile research data. They will process and interpret this data and are expected to produce project reports, technical publications, and presentations.

Qualifications: Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field, and should not exceed three years of post-degree research experience. The individual must have the capability to independently carry out air emission measurements and modeling. They should also have a robust background in waste management technologies, including anaerobic digestion, aerobic composting, as well as expertise in data processing and statistical analysis.

Additional essential qualifications include outstanding oral and written English communication skills, a collaborative attitude, a track record of high-quality peer-reviewed scientific publications, and the ability to meet deadlines and work autonomously with excellence. The candidate must exhibit strong time management and record-keeping abilities, and must have or be able to obtain a valid U.S. driver's license.

Preference will be given to applicants with hands-on experience with instrumentation for measuring gas emissions using either static or dynamic flux chambers, proficiency in MATLAB and LabVIEW software, and experience in emission modeling.

Hiring Process: Application reviews will commence immediately and will remain ongoing until the position is secured. Initial interviews will be conducted via videoconference.

Compensation: We provide a competitive wage plus extensive benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation and sick days, and supportive career development in scientific research. Selected candidates will be expected to disseminate their research findings at scientific conferences and in professional circles.

The University of California, Davis is a proactive affirmative action and equal opportunity institution dedicated to fostering an environment that upholds equality of opportunity and values diversity.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, samples of pertinent publications, and the names and contact details for three references via email.

Contact: Dr. Ramin Yazdani, ryazdani@ucdavis.edu  Air Quality Research Center University of California, Davis 1 Shields Ave. Davis, CA 95616

Start Date: The position will start on June 1, 2024, or thereafter.

Length of Appointment: The term may last up to 2 years, contingent upon performance and funding.

Salary Range: The UC postdoctoral salary scale dictates the base salary according to the level of experience at the time of appointment. For the current salary scale of this position, refer to the following link: https://ucdavis.app.box.com/s/d2cv7dqvg2moyw5ymr1gokliyn3ddfqz. The present entry-level salary for this role ranges from $64,480 to $71,908. Salaries above this base may be negotiated to match market conditions.