Postdoc position in fluid mechanics at Dalhousie University

[Adam Yang]

Hi everyone, 

We are pleased to announce a postdoctoral fellowship position focused on advancing Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) through the study of turbulent jets and plumes. The research will specifically focus on quantifying the dilution rate of the discharged bicarbonate in the ocean and ensuring that the bicarbonate remains stable and does not precipitate. This is critical to durable carbon storage. This fellowship includes a unique professional development curriculum and offers a well-balanced experience between academia and industry. The successful candidate will be co-advised by Prof. Adam Jiankang Yang at Dalhousie University and pHathom Technologies, an industry leader in mCDR technology.

Research Background:

pHathom Technologies captures carbon dioxide emissions from biomass power plants and converts them into bicarbonate for safe, durable storage in the ocean. Our process accelerates the natural weathering of limestone, using a water-based system that reacts flue gas CO₂ with a slurry of seawater and crushed limestone to form bicarbonate, a stable form of carbon already abundant in the ocean. This bicarbonate remains dissolved for tens of thousands of years and benefits marine ecosystems, particularly shellfish and coral, by countering ocean acidification.

Unlike conventional carbon capture technologies that rely on energy-intensive solvents, CO₂ compression, and deep-well injection, our approach uses no CO₂ separation, no compression, and no pipelines. It is low-energy, modular, and ideal for small-to-medium coastal biomass plants that currently have no viable carbon storage solution. The system borrows from well-established industrial technologies like flue gas desulfurization and water treatment, and integrates directly with existing plant infrastructure, including once-through cooling systems, to minimize capital and operational expenditures.

Salary and Support:

• Minimum salary of $70,000 CAD per year (up to two years, subject to approval).
• Up to $5,000 CAD for research expenses.
• $3,000 CAD for professional development opportunities.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send their CV, contact information for two referees, and a brief statement of research interests to Dr. Adam Jiankang Yang (jianka...@yale.edu) or Dr. Kimberly Gilbert (k...@phathom.tech).

Location:

The research will be based at the Department of Civil and Resource Engineering at Dalhousie University, with field pilot operations in Cape Breton conducted by pHathom Technologies.