Two open PhD positions in Sustainability and Complex Systems

Information about the divison and the project
At the division of Physical Resource Theory we develop knowledge for transitions to a sustainable future with a high quality of life for the global community. Our research focuses on the interactions between technology, society and nature. We use a systems perspective to perform interdisciplinary research including theory development, mathematical modeling, as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis. We aspire to pursue an active engagement and dialogue with society, through education, stakeholder interaction and support to decision makers. The division has around 50 staff members including faculty and PhD-students with diverse expertise, including engineers, natural and social scientists.

This call is open for all students with an interest in pursuing research within the following research groups at Physical resource theory:

1. Sustainable transport and mobility - We assess future transportation systems and innovations with different methods such as big data analytics, synthetic populations, behavioral studies, and stakeholder analysis: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/see/research/prt/Pages/Sustainable-transport-and-mobility.aspx

2. Navigating sustainability transitions - The group conducts inter- and transdisciplinary research on sustainability transitions and transformations with an emphasis on futures/directionality, systems innovation, governance, leadership, and learning: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/see/research/prt/Pages/Navigating-sustainability-transitions.aspx

3. Sustainable circular bioeconomy: agriculture, forestry & land use - The group addresses questions around current and future societal use of land and biomass resources, within a broad sustainability perspective: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/see/research/prt/Pages/Sustainable-circular-bioeconomy.aspx

4. Consumption patterns and emission pathways - Analyses of demand-side changes and policies to reduce resource use and greenhouse gas emissions in different sectors; examples may be sharing, product lifetime, second-hand, substitution or reduced consumption volumes. More information about the sustainable consumption group: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/see/research/prt/Pages/Sustainable-consumption.aspx

5. Technological change in socio-political contexts - The group seeks to identify realistic strategies and scenarios for transitions to low-carbon energy systems, industries, food production, and land management systems using a combination of empirical, modeling and scenario work: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/see/research/prt/Pages/Technological-change-socio-political-contexts.aspx

6. Energy systems analysis - This research area focuses on identifying pathways for future energy systems to meet a variety of challenges including the design of a renewable electricity system, meeting climate targets and ensuring energy security: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/see/research/prt/Pages/Energy-Systems-Analysis.aspx

7. The origin of human culture - Shedding new light on the origin of human cumulative culture in cultural group selection via the social protocell model and kindred ideas. More information about the complex systems group: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/see/research/prt/Pages/Complex-systems.aspx

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student your main responsibility is to pursue your own doctoral studies, which includes work in the research project but also to undertake doctoral courses. You are expected to work independently, have the ability to plan and organize your work, to work in close collaboration with other group members and partners, and to be able to communicate scientific results, both orally and in written form, in English. The doctoral program is supposed to lead to the doctoral degree, equivalent to four years of full-time studies, which includes research, studies in courses, and participation in seminars and conferences. Included teaching obligations, the position is expected to be five years.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position you must have a Master's degree in a field that is relevant to the research area, with an MSc thesis project corresponding to a minimum of half a study year. Excellent analytical and communication skills are required. You need to be able to take on responsibility for your work and work independently towards set goals. You should have good social skills and find it easy to communicate and collaborate with many different types of people. We look for a student with a genuine interest and curiosity in the subject matter of choice.

With the application, you should enclose a brief (max 1 page) description of the research direction that you want to engage in and outline the background knowledge and competence that you possess for this.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 5 years.

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.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10996&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: November 17, 2022

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