PhD Scholarship Position in Modelling Local Energy Systems Transitions

The Department of Space, Earth and Environment contains five divisions, with research and education spanning from global challenges related to sustainability and energy supply to astronomy and space sciences. The department is host to two major infrastructures, Onsala Space Observatory and Chalmers Power Central, and consists of about 250 employees.

Information about the project andthe research

This PhD project attempts at understanding and quantifying dispersed energy systems transitions at the municipality level. It involves modelling of localized energy systems transitions in different sectors, such as solar PV panel diffusion and transitions to electric and biogas vehicles.

The PhD project will require the development and use of modelling methodologies able to capture pathway dynamics and techno-economics of the transitions processes along with interactions of real-world actors (stakeholder/agents and their behaviour). For this, a combination of system dynamics methodology and cost optimization modelling are deemed suitable.

The Division of Energy Technology conducts research and offers education in energy technology and energy systems. Our work is characterised by the combination of systems-level projects with research on energy transformation processes, and our participation in a great number of national and international research projects.

The research of the Energy System Group focuses on energy transitions, sustainable energy systems, and energy system technology with a particular emphasis on modelling analysis of transitions of the power, heat and transport sectors.

Major responsibilities

Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You are also expected to take active part and in building and maintaining collaborative links with relevant members of the department, research project members and stakeholders. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers’ undergraduate level and/or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours. You are expected to write a licentiate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 4-5 years.

Full-time temporary employment.The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications

MSc in Engineering Physics, Energy, Environmental, Industrial, Industrial economy, Mechanical, Chemical or Civil Engineering, preferably with an Energy Systems or Industrial Ecology Master Program.Experience of energy systems modelling, optimisation, system dynamics, local energy systems, municipal energy planning and inter-disciplinary work is an advantage, as are courses in economy and/or social sciences.

Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required. Writing and communication skills in Swedish (or another Scandinavian language) are meritorious. If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city ofGothenburg.

Read more aboutworking at Chalmersand ourbenefitsfor employees.

Application procedure

The application should be marked with Ref 20180713 and written in English.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)

CV

Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.

Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)

1-3 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications.

Previous research fields and main research results.

Future goals and research focus.Are there any specific projects and research issues you are primarily interested in?

Copies of bachelor and/or master's thesis.

Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, eg. TOEFL test results.

Application deadline: 31 January 2019

Professor Erik Ahlgren, Energy Technology, erik.ahlgren@chalmers.se, 031-7725247

Dr Sujeetha Selvakkumaran, sujeetha@chalmers.se, 031-7725244