Postdoc: Energy technology and policy, Chalmers University, Sweden

Regional Studies Association; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 468,720 - 602,640; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Gothenburg city environment

Parental leave information

Swedish course support

Job summary

Chalmers is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the Energy Technology and Policy group to develop data-driven foresight methods for evaluating new technologies and policy scenarios. The position is based in Gothenburg and links to national projects within a strong international network.

You will work on probabilistic modelling of solar, wind, hydrogen and other technologies, collaborating across disciplines and contributing to education and seminars. A residence permit is required at start date.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in energy studies, environmental science, complex systems, economics, public policy, political science, or related field.
• Strong analytical skills with quantitative modelling and data analysis.
• Proficiency in scientific computing using R and Python.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop probabilistic foresight models for policy-driven low-carbon technologies.
• Analyse how policy interventions can accelerate technological change.
• Teach at Chalmers undergraduate level or perform related duties up to 20 percent of work time.

Skills

Quantitative modelling

Data analysis

Scientific computing

English communication

Education

Doctoral degree in energy studies or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

How fast can new climate technologies grow and what can policy realistically do to accelerate them? Join the Energy Technology and Policy group at Chalmers as a postdoctoral researcher and help develop the data‑driven foresight methods to find out.

At the Division of Physical Resource Theory, we study how societies can transition towards sustainability. Building on physics and systems analysis, our interdisciplinary research connects technical and social sciences to address challenges such as climate change, energy transitions and sustainable land use. The position will be based in the Energy Technology and Policy group which develops methods to evaluate the realism of energy and climate futures.

About the research project

The Energy Technology and Policy group (ENTAP) is recruiting up to two postdoctoral researchers on technology foresight for policy‑driven low‑carbon technologies. The postdoctoral position will focus on developing data‑driven approaches for probabilistic modelling of new technologies, both established technologies like solar and wind as well as emerging technologies like hydrogen. The positions will be linked to a number of national projects and embedded in the ENTAP group, with a strong international network and tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration through shared work spaces and joint seminars.

Who we are looking for

• To qualify as a postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in energy studies, environmental science, complex systems studies, economics, public policy, political science, or a related field.
• Experience in energy transitions research.
• Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in quantitative modelling, data analysis, and scientific computing (e.g., in R, Python).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Applicants are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

Experience that will strengthen your application:

• Experience in developing technology foresight models.
• Experience in policy analysis.
• Experience in publishing in high‑impact journals preferred.

What you will do

• Develop and apply probabilistic foresight models for policy‑driven technologies and explore the meaning of uncertainty in such projections.
• Analyse the extent to which policy interventions can accelerate technological change.
• The position generally also includes teaching at Chalmers’ undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to up to 20 percent of working hours.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full‑time employment for two years with the possibility of a one‑year extension.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidised day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
• Chalmers offers Swedish courses to support settlement for non‑native Swedish speakers.