PhD student or Postdoc - Minigrids for rural electrification

Information about the research and the division
Minigrids are a viable alternative for rural electrification in non-electrified areas in sub-Saharan African countries. They can be supplied by renewable energy sources and technologies and can supply sufficient power for most small-scale industries and are therefore the most cost-effective solutions for rural electrification for development in large areas. However, the supply-demand interactions and system designs are difficult to understand and require an interdisciplinary approach combining technical, economical and social perspectives.

This PhD/postdoc research, which is to build upon and link to a number of completed and ongoing research activities at Chalmers within the area of rural electrification in least developed countries, should address viable minigrid solutions using a systems perspective and interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches and possibly using systems modelling. The research approach should include a combination of quantitative and qualitative research and possibly also action research methods. Creativity and open-mindedness are expected in carrying out the research and realizing the objectives, especially given the context of hard to come-by data.

The Division of Energy Technology conducts research and offers education in energy technology and energy systems. Our work is characterised by the combination of systems-level projects with research on energy transformation processes, and our participation in a great number of national and international research projects. The research of the Energy System Group focuses on energy transitions, sustainable energy systems, and energy system technology with a particular emphasis on modelling analysis of transitions of the power, heat and transport sectors.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as PhD student is 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. You are also expected to contribute to the project and take active part and in building and maintaining collaborative links with relevant members of the department, research project members and stakeholders. A PhD student position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level and/or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours. You are expected to write a licentiate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 4-5 years.

As a postdoc you are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You are also expected to contribute to the project and take active part and in building and maintaining collaborative links with relevant members of the department, research project members and stakeholders.

Summary
The PhD position is limited to a maximum of five years and the postdoc is limited to two years. In both cases, the position is on a full-time, temporary employment basis.

Qualifications
For a PhD student: MSc in Engineering Physics, Energy, Environmental, Industrial, Industrial economy, Mechanical or Civil Engineering. Preferably with an Energy Systems Master Program.

For a postdoc: PhD in energy systems, rural electrification, minigrid systems assessment/modelling.

Experience/knowledge of energy systems assessment and modelling, optimisation, system dynamics, local energy systems, rural electrification, inter- and transdisciplinary research, stakeholder interviews. Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200522 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

For PhD student position
CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

For Post-Doc
CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications.
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 December, 2020

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