Postdoc positions in offshore wind-based carbon capture and e-fuels production are being advertised at the Sustainable Systems Design Laboratory at the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic), University of Victoria. The main emphasis of the positions will be on the generation of clean energy from far-offshore winds to drive direct air and ocean carbon capture, storage of CO₂, and synthetic fuel production.
Host institution and research focus
The positions are located at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, in the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic). The laboratory is involved in integrated, low-carbon, and negative-carbon energy systems. Currently, research projects related to offshore carbon sequestration and green shipping corridors are being developed.
Appointed postdoctoral fellows will be involved in collaborative research focused on:
- Offshore renewables (wind, waves, solar, tides) and direct air and ocean carbon capture.
- Mobile wind structures and “energy ships” capable of providing power for carbon capture and e-fuels generation offshore.
- Process modeling, optimization, and techno-economic analysis of direct ocean capture technology and CO2 transportation to subsea storage.
- Development of methods of e-fuel generation (methanol, hydrogen, ammonia) for maritime purposes, especially for the ports of British Columbia.
Postdoc in Offshore Wind Position details
- Level: Postdoctoral research fellow (2+ positions).
- Institution: University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Term: Long-term positions (specific term to be determined by funding availability and qualifications).
- Compensation: Approx. CAD $60,000–80,000 annually, including benefits, based on qualifications and experience.
- Start date: ASAP. Applications are considered continuously.
Postdoc in Offshore Wind: Eligibility and requirements
The candidate should have the following qualifications:
- Possession of a PhD in a suitable branch of engineering (such as mechanical, marine/ocean, or allied engineering branches).
- Experience in at least one of the following areas: offshore renewables, DAC/DOC, electrochemistry, process modeling, controls, techno-economic/life-cycle assessment, and marine systems design.
- Enthusiasm for studying and working with low- or negative-carbon energy technologies and sustainability.
- Proficiency in scientific computing and academic writing processes (preferably using Python, LaTeX, citation software, and collaboration platforms).
- High proficiency in both oral and written English-language communication.
- Ability to function effectively within multidisciplinary teams and mentor students.
Responsibilities for Postdoc in Offshore Wind
The postdocs will:
- Undertake independent research both individually and in collaboration with others within the themes of the projects.
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals and give presentations in conferences.
- Help in developing intellectual property and explore avenues for possible commercialization.
- Engage in collaboration with other academic and industry partners in offshore energy, carbon capture, and shipping sectors.
- Mentor graduate students and help write proposals and grants.
Application process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Interested candidates should send an email to Dr. Crawford at [email protected] with the subject line: Postdoc in Offshore Wind + Carbon
The application package should include:
Curriculum vitae (CV).
One‑page cover letter describing relevant research experience, motivation for the position, and the specific research theme(s) of interest.
Names and contact information for two referees.
Optional: sample publications, thesis, or other supporting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply for these postdoctoral positions?
Applicants should have (or be close to obtaining) a Ph.D. in engineering, including mechanical engineering, marine engineering, or other related disciplines. A strong background in areas like offshore energy production, carbon capture and storage technologies, electrochemical systems, process modeling, and marine systems would be an asset.
2. Is this a fully funded opportunity?
Yes. These are salaried research positions with a salary scale of about CAD 60,000 to 80,000 per year, plus benefits, based on qualifications.
3. Which research areas can I work on as a postdoc?
These are a few of the areas you could cover:
- Combining offshore renewable energy sources with DAC/DOC technologies.
- Use of mobile wind systems and energy ships for carbon capture and e-fuel generation.
- Modeling and optimization of direct ocean capture process.
- CO₂ transport and basalt storage under the sea.
- E-fuel generation (methanol, hydrogen, ammonia) for green shipping routes.
4. Do I need previous experience in carbon capture or offshore wind?
However, it is not necessary for you to be a professional in everything. Nevertheless, you have to possess proficiency in at least one discipline (e.g., offshore energy technologies, electrochemical technology, numerical modeling, TEA/LCA, and marine engineering) and be capable of learning fast in various spheres.
5. What is the duration of the postdoctoral appointment?
Positions are for multiple years, although the exact number depends on the funding available and the candidate’s experience. The exact conditions of employment can be further discussed at the time of application or interviewing.
6. When is the application deadline for postdoc in offshore wind?
There is no hard deadline; applications will be considered on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
7. What documents do I need to submit for postdoc in offshore wind application?
Your application must include the following documents:
- An elaborated CV.
- A one-page cover letter specifying your research experience, motivations, and preferred research areas.
- The contact details of two references.
- Other optional supporting documents, such as your published work or thesis abstract.
8. Is international relocation to Canada supported?
We welcome international applications. Although the details of relocation assistance and visas may vary according to institutional policy and personal situations, we encourage applications from students outside of Canada to apply.
9. What kind of work environment can I expect at the lab and institute?
Sustainable Systems Design Lab and IESVic provide a multidisciplinary and collaborative space aimed at addressing practical problems relating to energy and the climate. Postdocs collaborate with professors, students, and industrial partners on pioneering and systems-level research.
10. How does the lab approach equity, diversity, and inclusion?
Equity and inclusiveness in the work environment are values held at the laboratory and university. Members of the underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply, and the team makes every effort to uphold equity and inclusiveness in all its activities.
11. Can I apply if my PhD is in a non‑engineering field (e.g., physics, chemistry, data science)?
Candidates from nearby fields will still be qualified if they have considerable experience in certain topics (such as electrochemistry, energy systems modeling, climate/energy TEA/LCA, and marine systems). Make sure you state explicitly how your experience fits in with the projects’ topics in your cover letter.
12. Will I be able to mentor students and contribute to proposals?
Yes, postdoctoral researchers should mentor the graduate students, assist in proposal writing, and guide the research direction for the lab.
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