PhD student position in targets and energy choices

What shapes the ambition and choice of national climate and energy targets and what insight can they give us into the feasibility of climate goals? This PhD will focus on analyzing the factors that shape national energy plans and targets, for example the role of international actors and technological characteristics using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The researcher will be part of a research group with wide international collaboration.

Information about the division and the research
The division of Physical Resource Theory, part of the Department of Space, Earth and Environment, 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 qualitative methods. The division has around 50 staff members, faculty and PhD-students with diverse expertise, including engineers, natural and social scientists.

Technologies needed to decarbonize the electricity system are already commercially available. Yet while we know how to solve climate change in mathematical models, it's an open question whether this can be done in the real world given the socio-political and technological constraints in different countries and regions. The group on energy transitions seeks to answer this question by exploring the actors and contexts of energy transitions and combining knowledge on the socio-technical, political and techno-economic mechanisms that shape energy transitions.

As a PhD student you would contribute to answering this question by investigating national energy plans and targets to untangle what shapes the ambition and emphasis of decarbonization in different contexts. In particular, you would focus on the role of different national and international actors and the technological characteristics in shaping technology growth and decline using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The PhD position is part of an ERC Starting Grant project (MANFIEST) which analyzes the feasibility of climate mitigation pathways. Ultimately, this research contributes to a better understanding of the bottlenecks and enablers of the rapid and deep change needed to meet the Paris climate target.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student your main responsibility is to pursue your own doctoral studies, which includes work on the mechanisms and feasibility of energy transitions 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.

You will explore the drivers and formation processes associated with climate and energy targets. The work also includes analyzing results and writing papers in collaboration with the energy transitions group at Physical Resource Theory. Around 20% of the position includes teaching in relevant courses.

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

Qualifications
The position requires a Master’s degree in political science, public policy, innovation studies, economics, or related fields of social science with a proven interest in energy transitions or energy policy. You have a proven experience of writing in English, excellent academic track record and strong motivation and commitment to scientific inquiry.

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

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200589 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV (with publications if applicable)
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two-three references that we can contact, including contact information.

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:
• A writing sample in English (e.g. a thesis or course assignment).
• A brief research proposal related to the call (2-4 pages).
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

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

Application deadline: February 1st, 2021. The position will remain open until filled. The expected starting date is March-May 2021.

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