Research Associate on industry decarbonization and just transition

We are recruiting four research candidates to work with sustainability and trade, sustainable finance, and industry and energy transitions.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden (remote work from another country is not possible)
Deadline: 2 May 2021
As the climate transition is now accelerating, it is clear that it will transform our economies. Climate policy is affecting finance, trade policy and industrial policy at their core. Similarly, these sectors and policy areas will set the conditions for the ambition and effectiveness of climate change mitigation and adaptation. SEI has built up more research and preparedness in these sectors and will continue to help change agendas, improve decisions and build capacity. We are now strengthening our team to respond to new demands and opportunities.
In particular, we are now recruiting four candidates; ranging from the thematic of sustainability and trade, and sustainable finance on the one hand, while also specifically looking for expertise in industry and energy transitions at both a research fellow and associate level.
We wish to attract leading experts and entrepreneurs in the fields of finance and trade, with a specific focus on industry, green manufacturing and sustainability transitions. It is our clear desire to invest and grow within this research domain, thereby deepening SEI’s impacts in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Research Associate on industry decarbonization and just transition
We are now recruiting a highly motivated early-career colleague (Research Associate) with experience and interest in interdisciplinary analysis of how carbon-intensive industries can be aligned to achieve climate neutrality consistent with Paris Agreement and the latest scientific evidence from the IPCC.
The successful candidate will be based at SEI HQ in Stockholm and will develop and execute intradisciplinary research on socio-technical systems, with a particular focus on techno-economical analysis, financing and investment needs, but also policy analysis and work on scenarios and roadmaps towards decarbonisation. The set of projects depend on the profile of the successful candidate.
Research Associates at SEI supports research and project work, project proposals writing, and the communication of project findings. Research Associates works independently as well as in teams, supporting and facilitating the work of other colleagues and project leaders, and report progress to the project leaders and line manager.
Key duties and responsibilities include
Analysis of socio-technical transitions including technological roadmaps and policy making needed for carbon-intensive industry to progress on low-carbon pathways, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050;
Contribute to publications on decarbonisation pathways, focusing on zero-emission solutions and innovation systems;
Support coordination and management of complex multi-partner projects, including stakeholder and consortium relations;
Participate in writing research publications and funding proposals.

Who you are
We are looking for an early career colleague with an Master’s level degree in a relevant subject (e.g. economics, public administration, political science, international relations, environmental policy, industrial policy or other topics) who has analytical skills and keen interest in gaining expertise on topics such as climate economics, just transitions, industrial policy, technology and innovation, sustainable development and other fields.
You are a highly analytical person, with excellent communication skills and an ability to work in teams in a diverse and exciting research environment. As a person you are driven and results-oriented. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently, both when it comes to basic research tasks as well as administrative ones
Formal qualifications and knowledge
Masters level qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. economics, public administration, political science, international relations, environmental policy, industrial policy or other topics), or equivalent experience of delivering independent high-quality research;
Proven track record of undertaking qualitative and/or quantitative analysis, e.g., socio-technical analysis of sustainability transitions; qualitative and quantitative analysis of global energy and resources markets dynamics, or other relevant analytical experience;
Previous intradisciplinary experience with innovation system analysis or socio-technical systems analysis using Multi-level Perspective (MLP), Technological Innovation System (TIS) analysis, or similar frameworks;
Previous experience in stakeholder interactions such as organizing workshops or policy dialogues;
Excellent written and oral skills in English.

The following qualifications and experience are considered as merits:
Research interest in intradisciplinary cost and financial analysis;
Previous experience in project coordination;
Understanding of complexities associated with transitioning to more sustainable energy systems;
A demonstrable interest in the politics and experiences of developing countries
Excellent written and oral skills in Swedish.

Personal skills required in the position
Curiosity in new topics;
Commitment to develop innovative research products and possess good writing skills;
Good interpersonal and communication skills;
Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments with high level of proactivity;
Ability to deliver high quality outputs in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision.

How to apply (Research Associate on industry decarbonization and just transition)
We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application as soon as possible, however, no later than 2 May 2021, 23:59 Stockholm local time.
Applications should be written in English and consist of a short CV and cover letter (maximum 1 page).
As we only accept applications through our recruitment system, please apply online and include:
Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
Curriculum vitae.



Questions?
Inquiries concerning the content of the position can be directed to Gökce Mete, Research Fellow (gokce.mete@sei.org).
Inquiries concerning the recruitment process can be directed to My Persson, Recruitment and Competence Specialist (my.persson@sei.org).