PhD - Industrialising energy technology in global innovation systems

The Department of Energy and Environment excels in research and education related to energy, environment and sustainable development ranging from a global perspective to industrial, building and product issues. The focus is on experimental and theoretical research on energy technology as well as on development, use and evaluation of methods and tools for analysis of technical systems. In total around 200 persons are active at the five divisions of the department.

The details of the departmental research activities may be found at http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/ee/research/.

Information about the division
The Division of Environmental Systems Analysis conducts research describing technological impacts and exploring ways to transform technical systems to better meet the environmental and resource constraints of humanity. The division has a long engagement in life-cycle assessment, risk assessment and various environmental flow methods. Approaches of flow methods from a social science perspective, innovation systems and transition studies complete the research strategy. Consequently our work requires cross- and transdisciplinary efforts. Our areas of expertise are unified through a common systems-based approach. The division has presently around 30 faculty members, staff and PhD-students covering a broad expertise, including engineers, natural and social scientists. The division also offer courses in areas related to our research on both basic and advanced level.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
This project focuses on the question of how a nation, in this case Sweden, can create domestic industrial renewal based on research and development of new energy technologies that have a limited home market but substantial global potential. Through case studies of marine and solar energy, we develop knowledge about the importance of key innovation processes for moving from technology demonstration to large-scale industrialisation, in order to underpin discussions on how sets of policy instruments can, and have to, work together to reach the parallel but linked policy goals of energy transition and industrial renewal. Theoretically the research is situated within the field of technological innovation systems studies. The research will include international comparisons and mainly make use of qualitative methods, such as interviews.

Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
You have a MEng, MSc or similar, and experience with the framework of Technological Innovation Systems. You are fluent in Swedish (for interview based research), and have excellent writing skills. Experience from professional interaction with stakeholders within the energy sector, preferentially marin or solar energy is a merit.

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



Application deadline: 2015-03-16

For questions, please contact:
Professor Björn Sandén, Environmental Systems Analysis
E-mail: bjorn.sanden@chalmers.se, phone: +46 31 772 86 12

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



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!