PhD student in modelling robust energy systems

Do you have a background in modeling and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the future of energy systems? This PhD position integrates elements from optimization, statistics, engineering and policy analysis to find robust strategies for the European energy transition. The researcher will be part of an inter-disciplinary research group with a strong international network of collaborations.

Information about the division and the department
The Department of Space, Earth and Environment contains five divisions, with research and education spanning from global challenges related to sustainability and energy supply to astronomy and space sciences. The department is host to two major infrastructures, Onsala Space Observatory and Chalmers Power Central, and consist of about 250 employees.

The division of Physical Resource Theory conducts research and provides education on solutions to major environmental challenges such as global warming and sustainable land use. Our research is challenge-driven and interdisciplinary building on both technical and social sciences and using a range of quantitative and qualtitative methods. The division has around 50 staff members, faculty and PhD-students with diverse expertise, including engineers, natural and social scientists.

About the research
This research project aims at designing resilient energy systems in Sweden and Europe given uncertainty in weather patterns, technical failures and geopolitical risks. It will focus in particular on the role of firm electricity generation (such as nuclear power) and the role of biomass as a domestic source of energy. In addition to the aspect of decision-making under uncertainty, the project incorporates a perspective on biomass that takes into account land-use change. The project is firmly ground in energy system modeling and quantitative methods, but is interdisciplinary in its policy implications which are relevant to energy policies, energy security and geopolitics. The team includes researchers analyzing future energy systems as well as method development on incorporating stochastic methods into energy models and biomass research.

The PhD student would contribute to the project by: implementing stochastic methods into a large energy system model (PyPSA) ; finding relevant research questions; modeling and analyzing results and writing and communication your results.

As a PhD student your main responsibility is to pursue your own doctoral studies, which includes energy modeling and analysis, but also to undertake doctoral courses. You are expected to work independently, have the ability to plan and organize your work, to work in close collaboration with other group members and partners, and to be able to communicate scientific results, both orally and in written form, in English. The doctoral program is supposed to lead to the doctoral degree, equivalent to four years of full-time studies, which includes research, coursework, and participation in seminars and conferences. Including teaching obligations, the position is expected to be five years.

Major responsibilities
Implementing and running an energy system model (PyPSA)

Analyzing results and writing papers in collaboration with the energy system group at Physical Resource Theory.

Around 20% of the position includes teaching.

Qualifications
We require a Master’s degree in economics, engineering, mathematics, environmental science, or related fields with a proven interest in energy studies, familiarity with programming languages, proven experience of writing in English, excellent academic track record and strong motivation and commitment to scientific inquiry.

To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field.

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

For more information about what we offer and the application procedure, please visit Chalmers webpage.
See link: PhD student in modelling robust energy systems




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 six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, 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!