PhD student position in Innovation Studies

PHD POSITION IN TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT WITH SPECIALISATION IN INNOVATION STUDIES: PUBLIC ENERGY ADVISING AS A POLICY INSTRUMENT FOR LARGE-SCALE DIFFUSION OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS

We are looking to recruit a PhD student within the broad theoretical field of innovation studies, with a focus on actors and policies inducing the large-scale diffusion of innovation. More specifically, it is part of a research project focusing on municipal energy and climate advisors and their roles in facilitating the adoption of solar PV in Sweden, as well as in accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy system as a whole.

Information about the project
The PhD student is expected to conduct literature and document study to identify the roles of energy and climate advisors, as well as to conduct interviews with advisors and adopters of solar PV. The PhD student is expected to communicate results from the project to relevant stakeholders in Sweden, as well as to the international scientific community. The PhD project also entails course work, independent literature studies and the writing of a number of scientific articles based on the research results (to be included in the thesis).

The PhD position is part of a research project funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, which focuses on the role of public energy advising for the large-scale diffusion of solar PV technology in Sweden. One key objective of the project is to contribute to policy-making, through a better understanding of the role(s) of municipal energy and climate advisors at facilitating adoption of solar PV, their differences with private advisors and their impact on the transition to a sustainable energy system.

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 in writing and orally at seminars and conferences. For this position, communication with the industry, people at the Swedish Energy Agency and other stakeholders will also be an important part of the work. The exact focus and content of the studies will be decided in interaction with the examiner/main supervisor. The PhD student is expected to contribute to writing a number of scientific articles, based on the results of the research, which will be included in the thesis.

The position also includes teaching at the undergraduate or master's level or performing other departmental duties corresponding to a maximum of 20 percent of the working hours.

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

Qualifications
To be eligible for the position, the following qualifications are required:

- A university degree at advanced (Master's) level in a relevant field of study, including (but not restricted to) industrial engineering and management, innovation management, environmental technology and management, innovation studies or transition studies, comprising at least four years of study (240 ECTS credits), whereof at least 60 ECTS credits at advanced (Master's) level (or equivalent). By the start of the enrolment in the PhD program, the candidate must have completed an independent degree project (thesis) at advanced (Master's) level, representing at least one term of study (30 ECTS credits).

- An educational profile that combines engineering/science and social science, e.g. innovation or business administration, is a valuable (but not required) qualification.

- Strong interpersonal/social skills

- A part of the work will consist of analysing reports written in Swedish and of writing texts and articles in English, therefore strong English and Swedish language skills, both written and spoken, are required for this position.

- Large emphasis when selecting a candidate will also be put on ability to analyze and write academic texts.

Other documented qualifications that are considered valuable, but not required, include:
- documented skills (e.g. through a degree project report) in applying social science research methods, especially qualitative methods
- knowledge about innovation/transition policy frameworks.
- experience in project management (including management of own degree project or similar)

We believe that you are highly motivated, personally mature and both able and willing to assume responsibility for and pursue the task at hand. You are good at communicating with others and are able to handle complex information and problems, breaking down and analysing problems as well as synthesizing information from several sources. You like to take the broader perspective and tend to consider the long-term consequences of decisions and actions but are also able to make proper judgements and set appropriate priorities when needed.

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

Application deadline: 15 February, 2021
Read more and apply 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. ***