Postdoc in historical and future energy data analysis

What enables and constrains the substitution of fossil fuels in electricity? A post-doc position analyzes this question as part of a broader research agenda on understanding the feasibility of climate mitigation targets. The postdoc will focus on analyzing the mechanisms shaping the substitution through statistical analysis and computational experiments based on empirical data from different countries. The researcher will be part of a research group with wide international collaboration.

Information about the research/the project/the division
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.

The Postdoctoral Researcher would contribute to answering this question by investigating the dynamics of technology substitution and how substitution is shaped by investment, profitability, policy support and other factors. The research is part of an ERC Starting Grant project (MANFIEST) 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 engages with the current thinking on long-term energy transition pathways and scenarios such as the ones synthesized by the IPCC. A particular question is what is the feasibility of such scenarios given the empirical knowledge about energy transitions in various real-world contexts.

As a postdoc you will be part of the Department of Space, Earth and Environment which 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 consist 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 qualitative methods. The division has around 50 staff members, faculty and PhD-students with diverse expertise, including engineers, natural and social scientists.

Major responsibilities
You will explore energy substitution dynamics and how substitution is influenced by economics and politics. You will also be responsible for developing the group's data and code infrastructure (including our open access initiative) and training PhD students and other researchers in data analysis in the energy transitions group. 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). An extension of the project in the form of a 2-year research position is planned to be announced immediately after the end of the postdoc position.

Qualifications
A PhD degree in 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. The degree should generally not be older than three years. Proven experience with data analysis and programming (e.g. python or R) and analysis (including statistics and climate scenarios) is also a must. Experience of writing in English with a 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 20210115 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 (including contact information) that we can contact for recommendations

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:
• A writing sample (preferably PhD thesis and articles)
• A brief research proposal related to the call (2-4 pages)
• 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: April 10th, 2021. The position will remain open until filled. The expected starting date is August 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. ***