Postdocs in Systems assessment of hydrogen and electrofuels in transport

We invite applicants to join our team of researchers within the area of environmental and energy systems analysis focusing on the transition towards a sustainable transport sector. We are looking for two postdoctoral researchers in energy systems analysis and modelling focusing on future fuels for transport. This is an opportunity for you to contribute to the development of techno-economic and environmental assessment evaluation frameworks in general and to the development of optimization models in particular. The research is applied and closely linked to industrial interests and needs. 

Information about the research
To meet future climate targets, the entire transport sector needs to reduce its climate impact. Biomass-based fuels, electrification, hydrogen and electrofuels are being developed for different parts of the transport sector to substitute fossil fuels. Electrofuels are fuels produced by combining energy from electricity, hydrogen from water via electrolysis, and carbon, or possibly nitrogen, into liquid or gaseous hydrogen-containing end-fuels. The research within the postdoc positions will focus on answering the following question: what are the potential roles of hydrogen and electrofuels in achieving cost-effective, energy efficient and sustainable transport? This question is part of a broader research agenda on understanding the feasibility of climate mitigation targets. Our research aims to provide long-term, and often global, perspectives on future renewable fuels for transport. We seek to rigorously analyze the feasibility of energy transitions, utilize empirical as well as estimated data, and explore whether and under what conditions changes can occur. Research tools include life cycle assessment, techno-economic assessments, and cost-minimizing models where all energy sectors compete for the same primary energy sources in a future carbon constrained world.

As a postdoctoral researcher in our group, you will be using and further developing energy systems models. Two important models are: (1) The Global Energy Transition (GET) model which is a cost minimizing “bottom-up” systems engineering model. It can be used to study carbon mitigation strategies while minimizing the discounted total energy systems cost. The model focuses on the supply side and has five end-use sectors: electricity, transport, feedstock, residential–commercial heat and industrial process heat, and generates fuel mix scenarios, for different transport modes, that meets the modeled constraints at lowest cost. (2) A European model for hydrogen infrastructure requirements that will be developed within our research team. This model will develop different future European hydrogen demand scenarios by modelling cost, efficiency, small scale versus large scale hydrogen production, tank stations/bunker terminals etc. Results from this model will be used as input data to GET and other existing models.

Information about the division
The two positions will be hosted by the Division of Maritime Environmental Sciences at the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences. Our research team, presently consisting of three senior researchers and three PhD students, is embedded in an interdisciplinary environment where we have close collaboration with other research teams at Chalmers such as technology experts, systems engineers, natural and social scientists carrying out research on solutions to major environmental challenges. We also collaborate with international organizations within both academia and industry.

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibility will be to perform studies assessing the potential role of hydrogen and electrofuels in transport from a systems perspective with focus on economic and environmental aspects. You are expected to contribute to develop existing and new energy systems models. You will be involved in training PhD students, supervise MSc students and the position may also include teaching on Chalmers' graduate and undergraduate level. You are expected to, in English, communicate your findings, both in written form and orally at e.g., conferences and to relevant stakeholders. You will be guided by senior researchers and have ample opportunities to develop an extended network in the field.

Position summary
Full-time employment with a competitive salary and with social benefits. The positions are two-year post-doctoral appointment, which can start as soon as possible, preferable before March 2022.

Qualifications
To qualify for one of these postdoctoral positions, you should possess a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, environmental economy, applied mathematics, or energy technology, with a specialization in energy systems analysis, energy modelling, or energy transitions at the graduate level. You need proven experience with data analysis and programming (e.g., GAMS, Matlab, Python or R). Knowledge of alternative transport fuels is also beneficial. You are, further, expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills in English and strong commitment to scientific inquiry.

We are looking for a motivated and independent researcher with good analytical skills who is interested in the transport sector transition, and interdisciplinary research with a holistic systems perspective. We also believe that you have a strong curiosity and a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management. You are expected to have the ability to plan and organize your work and work independently in close collaboration with other group members and project partners. 

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9952&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 17 December, 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. ***