| Location | Lemont, Illinois |
Co-processing bio-derived feedstocks in conventional petroleum refineries can diversify feedstock sources and enable production of drop-in fuels while leveraging existing refinery infrastructure. Robust life-cycle analysis (LCA) in this area requires careful definition of system boundaries, appropriate treatment of biogenic carbon, and consistent accounting of upstream and refinery-stage energy use and emissions. Previous Argonne co-processing LCAs relied on detailed linear-programming (LP) refinery modelling with process-level inputs/outputs. To avoid resourceintensive modeling that depends on comprehensive refinery data, this project will focus on developing and validating streamlined approaches. This will support evaluation of a broader range of co-processing conditions, includingdifferent feedstocks, insertion points, refinery configurations, and product slates. * Research Activities The research aide will work with Argonne staff to review prior analyses and relevant literature, building a foundation on co-processing concepts and LCA methodologies. The aide will help identify key factors that influence LCA results for co-processed fuels, including feedstock characteristics, refinery insertion points, refinery configuration and operating conditions, product slates, and methodological choices. Based on the reviewed methods, the research aide will conduct analyses to evaluate a broad range of co-processing pathway options. The aide will summarize findings in internal documents or memos and share progress through discussions and/or brief presentations with Argonne project team. Along with the analysis methods and results, outstanding issues and caveats will also be documented to help identify when simplified methods may be appropriate and where more detailed analysis is warranted. * Deliverables and Schedule- Weekly: Internal Teams meeting (progress updates and discussion; brief slides as needed).- By end of August 2026: Interim presentation (PowerPoint) to the team summarizing task scope, analysis approach/direction, and preliminary results.- By end of December 2026: Final write-up (Word memo/report) documenting methods, assumptions, results, implications, and key caveats; final analysis file (Excel) compiling all evaluated cases and results.
Education and Experience Requirements
‒ Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited institution.
‒ Graduated from an accredited institution within the past 3 months; or
‒ Actively enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution.
Job Family
Graduate Student EmploymentJob Profile
Research Aide Technical - PhDWorker Type
EmployeeTime Type
Part timeScheduled Weekly Hours
20Pay Rate Type
HourlyThe expected hiring range for this position is $31.28-$46.92.Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
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EEO Information
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