The European Union, in an attempt to mitigate climate change and reduce fossil fuel dependency, has set ambitious targets to increase the share of renewable energy sources by 2020. Forest biomass represents the largest current source of renewable energy for Europe, including lignocellulosic forest biomass from both traditional wood processing (sawdust, chips, bark, black liquor) and forest residues. In order to accelerate development of renewable energy sources to achieve these EU targets, research has been directed to improve the technology and logistics of forest biomass supply chains across Europe and produce both technological innovation and service solutions.
This research project is part of a larger collaborative research consortium representing eight universities and seven businesses (SMEs) throughout Europe. The successful applicant will work closely with Prof. Jessup and the research consortium providing economic assessment and analysis of future forest biomass markets and the degree to which current forestry (harvesting) practices may be adapted or modified to influence the market for forest biomass. In addition to applying microeconomic analytical/assessment skills to the forest products industry, you will have the opportunity to develop business/economic/logistic models to evaluate a variety of efficiency trade-offs associated with different (European) forest supply chains, specifically related to service level improvements brought about from technological and information system innovations. This will involve close interaction with existing technology (software), transport and forest product companies.
Required Qualifications:
A bachelor and master degree in economics, forest economics, resource economics, biological systems, transport economics, supply-chain management or related topics is required. Excellent communication skills (speaking and writing) in English are required.
Preferred Qualifications/Experience:
Additionally, experience in the forest products industry, either prior research experience or practical work experience is advantageous. Fluency in German will also be extremely helpful. In addition, some background in economic and transport modeling (operations research) will be beneficial. Lastly, an enthusiastic and positive attitude is preferred.
Information about Albert-Ludwigs-UniversitƤt
The Albert-Ludwigs-UniversitƤt (http://www.uni-freiburg.de/) is located near the Black Forest in beautiful Freiburg im Breisgau, which has an excellent regional and international communication and transportation network. Freiburg offers a lively and vibrant culture and broad diversity due to its proximity to France and Switzerland. It is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and offers excellent access for outdoors activities within a few minutes of downtown. To learn more about Freiburg visit http://www.freiburg.de/index.html.
How to Apply:
Please email your application package to Prof. Eric L. Jessup (eric.jessup@fobawi.uni-freiburg.de) using the subject line PhD INFRES, preferably as one single pdf file, by Sept. 25, 2012 including:
i. Cover Letter motivating/explaining why you might be a good fit (2 p. max)
ii. Complete CV including your list of publications
iii. Two reference letters (preferred) or the contact information of 2 referees
For further information please contact:
Prof. Eric L. Jessup
Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences
Albert-Ludwigs-UniversitƤt
Werthmannstr. 6, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau
Email: eric.jessup@fobawi.uni-freiburg.de
Phone: (49) 0761 203 8593
Fax: (49) 0761 203 3763