PhD in User innovation and sustainable energy transitions in East Africa

Information about the research and the division
We are recruiting one PhD student in interdisciplinary energy system studies, to work on a project focused on user innovation for sustainable energy use and access for all, within the geographical context of East Africa. The work is positioned within the broad theoretical fields of critical social science studies of technological systems, user innovation and sustainable energy transitions.

The position is focused on user-centered innovation and the need to transition to sustainable energy systems that ensure the long-term well-being and health of people, and reduced environmental impact. Through the PhD, the candidate will contribute to deep understanding of households’ daily energy use and how users engage in developing innovative solutions for sustainable use of electricity and fuels in Rwanda, East Africa.

The candidate will be part of a joint Sweden-Rwanda program on Sustainable Energy and engage in interdisciplinary exchanges with other PhD candidates and senior researchers. The program has a shared basis in complex systems thinking and involves social scientists, engineers and natural scientists. Research is creative, problem-oriented, emphasizes deep understanding of context, cross-scale and cross-sector interactions. In this supportive environment, the candidate will enhance own skills, learn how to bridge disciplinary boundaries and communicate effectively with colleagues and people in other fields of expertise.

Major responsibilities
The main responsibility of a PhD student is to pursue doctoral studies in relation to a specific research topic. This includes two main components: doctoral courses and independent research (under supervision). The latter includes literature studies, research design and planning, empirical studies and communication of results by writing scientific articles and orally at seminars and conferences.

We are seeking a candidate with social science training who is interested to conduct research in both urban and rural areas, and engage in participatory research and in co-innovation with ordinary citizens, in order to understand current energy uses, identify potential innovations and understand innovation processes and needs. You will be encouraged to, over time, increasingly lead and shape your own research trajectory focused on addressing society’s challenges as we strongly believe PhD students are responsible for developing tomorrow’s research agenda.

The project builds on newly conducted work from Kenya on user innovation and sustainability transitions, with a theoretical interest in how daily practices reflect the interplay between individual-structural power dynamics and relations of class, gender, age, ethnicity and other forms of social difference. It takes a 'practice theory' and critical theory approach to understanding energy use and pathways towards future, more sustainable and inclusive, energy service provision.

The candidate will be based in Sweden but conduct data collection in Rwanda. The work will involve multiple longer visits to our partners in Rwanda, with data collection in the form of interviews, participatory observation, participation in workshops and stakeholder interaction.

We offer a broad training, with the possibility to develop a multitude of skills. You will teach at the undergraduate or master's level, be involved in various project-related activities, thus receiving a varied on-the-job training, as well as take courses at advanced level. 

Qualifications
To be eligible for the position, the following two educational qualifications are required
(1) A university degree at advanced (Master's) level in a relevant field of study, comprising at least four years of study (240 ECTS credits), whereof at least 60 ECTS credits at advanced (Master's) level (or equivalent). Examples of relevant fields of study include (but are not restricted to) anthropology, political science, social environmental science, science and technology studies, innovation studies or human geography.

(2) A completed independent degree project (thesis) at advanced (Master's) level, representing at least one term of study (30 ECTS credits).

We seek a candidate who is intellectually curious and possesses good analytical skills, with ability to engage with new concepts, ideas and other scientific disciplines. You should have strong motivation, be self-propelled and know how to structure your work, with ability to work well independently for shorter periods, and in a team where participants have complementary skills. You have good social and communication skills, are a keen listener and interested in frequent interaction with people outside academia, especially in conducting interviews, but also interacting with colleagues and energy sector stakeholders. You have experience from and interest in other cultures and are open minded and non-judgmental.

Previous training in critical social science and/ or qualitative methods is mandatory. Strong English language skills are mandatory.

The following qualifications are meritorious:
- Interdisciplinary skills such as training in more than one discipline, or courses taken with focus on energy or technology.
- Training or experience in participatory methods (for example observation, workshops, focus groups).
- Knowledge of user innovation/ sustainability transitions/ sociotechnical systems.
- Experience and knowledge of Rwanda or the East African region.
- Proficiency in Kinyarwanda and/or proven ability to learn new languages.  

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application deadline: 19 April, 2020

For more information and to apply, click here

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***