Postdoc in Energy system modelling

We are offering a postdoc position to analyze the design of a European renewable energy system, with focus on the allocation of limited biomass resources. The candidate will use the PyPSA model and collaborate closely with energy system modellers at the Karlsrue Institute of Technology.

Information about the division and the project
The division of Physical Resource Theory carries out research and education on potential solutions to our major environmental challenges, e.g. global warming and sustainable use of land and other resources. At our division we focus on research in the field of technical and socio-economic systems addressing the challenges involved in the transition into a sustainable and low carbon society for a growing population, where a range of different quantitative and qualitative methods can be applied on our research topics. The ambition is to build challenge-driven scientific excellence by crossing traditional boundaries and increase the level of multi-disciplinarity in research. The division has around 50 staff members, faculty and PhD-students with diverse expertise, including engineers, natural and social scientists. We also offer courses in areas related to our research.

The energy systems group focuses on techno-economic assessment of decarbonized energy systems. The research ranges from analysis of fundamental mechanisms in renewable based energy systems, to policy relevant analyses and method development. The group also aims at including more socio-political aspects in the assessment of future energy systems.

The postdoc position is part of a project that will analyze the use of biomass in future, decarbonized energy systems. Biomass may constitute a carbon neutral supply of energy, which is limited due to resource- and environmental constraints. There are many competing potential usages of biomass in a carbon neutral energy system: as balancing power in the electricity system, as transportation fuel, as fuel for industry or as a source for negative emissions - BECCS. The cost-effective use of biomass will be analyzed in the context of the development regarding the cost and performance of competing technologies, such as storage, electric vehicles and electro-fuels. In addition to the team at Chalmers, the work includes collaborating with developers of the PyPSA model, such as Tom Brown at KIT.

Major responsibilities
As a postdoc you will develop the parts of the PyPSA model which deal with biomass supply and conversion. The work also includes to analyze results and write papers in collaboration with the energy systems group at Physical Resource Theory.

Around 10 % of the position includes teaching in relevant courses.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
A PhD in energy systems, or an adjacent relevant field, and familiarity with algebraic modeling languages used for linear programming (e.g. Julia/JuMP, Python/Pyomo, AMPL, GAMS), are mandatory requirements. The PhD degree should generally not be older than three years. You must have strong, demonstrated research ability, be very comfortable in an interdisciplinary research environment and have excellent English written and spoken communication skills.

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

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200265 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

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

• In addition to the CV, the personal letter and other supporting documents, each applicant is required to submit a description of a research question related to the project, ½-1 page

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 June, 2020

For questions, please contact:
Fredrik Hedenus, Associate Professor
E-mail: hedenus@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7723453

Information about the department
The Department of Space, Earth and Environment contains of 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.

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



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!