Post Doc in the economics and speed of energy transitions

How will the economics of energy technologies shape the unfolding energy transition? What is the role of the cost of technologies, policies and other factors in shaping the profitability of renewable technologies? A new post-doc position tackles these questions as part of a broader research agenda on understanding the feasibility of climate action. The candidate will focus on analyzing these questions through a combination of empirical research, statistical analysis, and computational experiments. The researcher will be part of the POLET research group with wide international collaboration.

Information about the division and the research 
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 consists 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.

The POLET Research Group works on the feasibility of climate action and speed of energy transitions with partners at Chalmers University, Lund University, University of Bergen, and Central European University. The 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 POLET group on the political economy of 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.

Currently, we are recruiting a Post-Doctoral candidate to examine how the economics of energy technologies shape their growth. In particular, how is solar and wind growth shaped by investment, profitability, and policy support in different countries?

The position is part of an ERC Starting Grant project (MANIFEST) which focuses on cross-national differences in feasibility of energy transitions as well as on its temporal dimension and therefore involves comparative and longitudinal analysis. It also contributes to the MISTRA Electrification project which works on understanding the non-technical feasibility constraints to rapid electrification and decarbonization in Northern Europe.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. You will explore how the economics of energy technologies shape their growth. The position may also include teaching up to 20%. 

Qualifications
To qualify for this postion, you must hold a PhD degree in economics, environmental science, sustainability, or related fields of natural and social science with a specialization in energy systems analysis, energy modelling, or energy transitions at the graduate level is mandatory, awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Proven experience with data analysis and programming (e.g. python or R) is also a must. Experience of writing in English with a strong motivation and commitment to scientific inquiry.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years with the possibility of extension. Start date November, 2022 (negotiable).

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220366 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• complete list of publications
• research 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, and [optional] two-page research proposal related to the position.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Selection is ongoing and we will start reviewing applications on: 2022-08-29.

For questions, please contact:
Jessica Jewell, Associate Professor,
Email: jewell@chalmers.se

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