PhD position in developing methods for assessing the Life Cycle Impacts of wood-based products

The Environmental Systems Design Group is an internationally recognized and leading research group offering a cooperative and inspiring working environment. The group conducts research on modeling, analyzing and assessing the environmental performance of products and processes, new technologies and consumption patterns.

PhD position in developing methods for assessing the Life Cycle Impacts of wood-based products (100%)

The PhD position involves participation in the SNF research project “Life Cycle Management of wood in Switzerland: methods, tools and environmental decision support” (NFP 66 Wood; www.nfp66.ch/E/). The overall project aims to develop an environmental decision-support method and analysis tool to assess the optimal use of wood as a resource including cascading. In order to do a proper environmental assessment, the LCA methodology shall be improved to include environmental impacts specific to the wood value chain. Thus, the Ph.D. thesis deals with the development of Life Cycle Impact Assessment methods for assessing biodiversity related to forest-management practices, as well as for toxicity effects from chemical treatment of wood and emissions of wood combustion. Regional specificity shall be considered in these methods. The final methods will be integrated into an overall model in order to build up sustainable wood-management scenarios and give recommendations to policy makers and industry. Employment will be according to standard regulations at ETH (funding secured for 3 years). The project will start in January 2012 or later upon mutual agreement.

Suitable candidates should hold a master level degree in environmental sciences, natural sciences or similar studies with excellent grades. Experience with environmental assessment methods and tools, such as LCA, and knowledge of forestry is appreciated.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Stefanie Hellweg, Institute of Environmental Sciences, by e-mail: stefanie.hellweg@ifu.baug.ethz.ch (no applications).

Applicants should apply online by sending a Curriculum Vitae and a statement of research interests by December 20, 2011 to: ETH Zurich, Mr. Hans-Peter Widmer, Human Resources, 8092 Zurich.

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