Advancing carbon removal standards

Project description

I lead a collaborative interdisciplinary team to advance standards for carbon removal accounting. 

The project brings together experts from the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions and Arizona State University. 

The aim is to advance the understanding of carbon sequestration, focusing on evidence-based performance, the management of impermanence and equal treatment carbon reservoirs through the lens of responsibility.  More information in this Project overview.

Publications

• Eliminating the Need for Life Cycle Analysis for Carbon Accounting and in the Certification of Carbon Sequestration - preprint

• Intergenerational equity and responsibility: a call to internalize impermanence into certifying carbon sequestration - preprint

• Snapshot of the Carbon Sequestration Certification Market Ecosystem - published in the journal Climate Policy

• Definitions and mechanisms for managing durability and reversals in standards and procurers of carbon dioxide removal - preprint

• Why should I trust you (carbon sequestration)? - blog entry for I-WEST

• Carbon removal certification is the next climate frontier - blog entry for The Academic

• Chapter 10 The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal - report

Resources

• Project partner website

• Ecosystem map - this interactive map shows the actors in the certification space

Opportunities

Description

The Center for Negative Carbon Emissions (CNCE) at Arizona State University is seeking a highly skilled and motivated postdoctoral research scholar to assist CNCE researchers in assessing the verifiability of carbon sequestration technologies across geologic and oceanic reservoirs. Specifically, the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for supporting the assessment of the verifiability of sequestration in two different types of reservoirs: (1) ocean iron fertilization in open waters of the United States maritime zone and (2) sequestration in a saline aquifer in the Southwest United States and. This effort will advance a novel carbon accounting framework designed to verify the sequestration of carbon. Most of the focus will be on marine sequestration in the early phases of the postdoc position. This position will work with an interdisciplinary team of physicists, geologists, engineers, oceanographers, modelers, and climate scientists, with funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) and Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM).

The primary job duties will include:

• Assist with the assessment of the verifiability of ocean iron fertilization as a carbon removal pathway through the lens of carbon accounting and fit-for-purpose questions.

• Assist in translating carbon accounting terminology into oceanographic model and data variables.

• Lead the development of effective monitoring and verification protocols for oceanic and geologic reservoirs.

• Analyze monitoring and verification protocols for applicability to specific site challenges, cost, and accuracy.

• Collaborate with industry partners to tailor the protocols to meet 45Q requirements.

• Assist with the development and validation of risk assessment, risk management, and mitigation strategies for commercial-scale geological storage sites.

• Support community engagement efforts across the Southwest.

The full-time, fiscal-year, non-tenure-track, benefits-eligible position is for one year with renewal possible based on availability of funding and excellent performance. Salary is dependent on experience with an anticipated start date of August 2024.

Even if you don’t feel that you meet all the desired qualifications, we still encourage you to apply. We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways - not just candidates who check all the boxes. We want people to feel comfortable expressing their true selves and to come, stay, and do their best work here.

The ASU College of Global Futures https://collegeofglobalfutures.asu.edu/ is an integral unit within the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, an innovative enterprise designed to radically enhance the university’s impact in creating a thriving future for humanity and planet Earth. As defined in its design aspirations, ASU has a deep commitment to use-inspired, public-serving work in both the local and global contexts. This commitment is further articulated in ASU’s Charter, declaring the university’s enduring commitment to the communities in which it is embedded. 

Qualifications

Required

• Doctoral degree in earth science, or a related field, with field instrumentation and/or modeling experience by the time of appointment. Applicants must be within five years of the doctoral degree award.

• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, work independently in a self-directed manner as well as collaboratively in interdisciplinary scientific teams.

Desired

• Demonstrated excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.

• Demonstrated experience with MS Office tools for data analysis and visualization.

• Demonstrated experience in geophysical and/or oceanic methods, technical analysis, and Class VI well permitting. 

Application Instructions

To apply, candidates must submit the following materials electronically. Review of applications will begin June 28, 2024. If not filled, reviews will continue every week until the search is closed. Apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/147629 

• Cover letter (up to 2 pages) describing your relevant experience and motivation for this position

• Curriculum vitae

Inquiries about the position should be directed to Stephanie Arcusa (sarcusa@asu.edu)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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