Research assistant in Electricity System Transitions

The ongoing energy transition involves a transformation of the electricity system. There are several possible futures involving different levels of centralized and distributed production and grids expanding internationally or contracting to small independent systems. In this project we aim to investigate the direction of change in a few countries. The project is part of a national research program on smart grid transitions.

Job description
We are recruiting a research assistant in the area of electricity systems transitions. The work is positioned within the broad field of innovation and sustainability transitions and is part of the research program Resistance and Power: on smart grids for the many people funded by the Kamprad Family Foundation (https://smartgridsforthemany.se/en). The project focuses on monitoring development trajectories within the electricity systems of different countries to provide foresight into future directions of the energy transition. The candidate will collect and process quantitative and qualitative data on the ongoing transition.

The electricity systems around the world are currently in a state of transition. The climate crisis drives a shift from fossil to wind and solar electricity as well as an increasing demand for electricity in transportation and industry. From a starting point of centralized generation and national distribution, solar, wind and energy storage technology now enable local generation and local use in small off-grid systems or distribution in various smart grid configurations. At the same time, the varying production of solar and wind power stimulate sharing of electricity in larger networks, super-grids, crossing national borders and creating continent wide configurations. The final outcome of this development is far from given. The process is highly dynamical and will depend on numerous technical, economic, political, and social factors. The stakes are high for many actors and there is a multitude of environmental, political and social implications of the outcome. A first step in trying to understand the process is to monitor what is actually going on. This is the aim of this project.

The position is a full-time, fully funded, temporary employment of one year, during which you are expected to work according to the team's joint work plan and contribute to key deliverables. It is placed at the Division of Environmental Systems Analysis (ESA) at the Department of Technology Mangement and Economics (TME). ESA conducts systems-oriented interdisciplinary research to find more sustainable technology solutions and to find ways to transform technology systems to better meet the environmental and resource constraints society faces. Our work is challenge-driven and cross-disciplinary, with a common systems-based approach. Our division has around 40 staff and faculty members, including engineers, social and natural science researchers. It is a dynamic and inclusive research environment with friendly atmosphere and cutting-edge research in multiple areas. 

Qualifications
You have finished or are about to finish a master's degree in Industrial ecology, Sustainable energy systems, Management and economics of innovation or similar. You have good communication skills in English. We also welcome candidates with a PhD in a relevant field.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment for one year.

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 Name, Ref 20220118  and be attached as PDF files, as below:

CV

Personal letter

Other documents (optional):
• Copies of completed education, grades etc. Two references that we can contact should be provided at a possible interview.

Please use the button at the bottom of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 30 March, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Professor Björn Sandén
E-mail: bjorn.sanden@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7728612

*** 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!