PostDoc Position in Project on Regional Energy Transitions

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg’s Institute of Social Sciences is offering for the duration of four years (with a possible extension for another year) a position as Post-doctoral researcher full-time (39.8 hours/week), payment group 14 of the General Framework Agreement on Public Services in the Federal States of Germany (TV-L), at the earliest possible date, in the DFG-Emmy-Noether-project Regional Energy Transition: The social processes of negotiating, norming and learning in the wind energy sector.

The project will analyse energy transition as a social process from a socio-economic perspective. It will examine how different regional, national and global actors in the wind energy sector interact, and which processes of negotiating, norming and learning are triggered by this interaction. Besides theoretical-conceptual work, the project will focus on an empirical substantiation of the transition debate. Six case studies based on expert interviews will be carried out, supplemented by participatory observations, focus group workshops and potentially QCA.

The post-doctoral researcher will support the project leader in the scientific coordination of the case studies and the project. He/she will provide a meaningful contribution to the theory development, enhance project publications and keep an eye on the organizational and content issues of the project. The person will also be operatively involved in the empirical study. This includes, among others, the preparation, execution and analysis of narrative interviews. Two further researchers will be part of the project. Additional information can be found at https://www.uni-oldenburg.de/en/sociologyofeuropeansocieties/research/regional-energy-transition/.

Requirements:

  • a project-relevant, above-average doctorate. The project draws upon various scientific debates, especially innovation research/science and technology studies, organisational sociology, economic geography and transition research. Knowledge of innovation, STS and organisational sociology are central for the position.
  • an above-average academic degree (diploma or master) in a relevant field (social/economic/regional sciences, sustainability transitions);
  • a major field of study or other acquired knowledge regarding the project context (e.g. transition research, innovation research, regional change and/or wind energy);
  • advanced methodological skills, experience with interview and case study research, qualitative content analysis software (MaxQDA) and/or QCA would be an advantage;
  • a self-reliant, goal- and result-oriented work mode and scientific mindset;
  • proficiency of English. Knowledge of German is desirable; otherwise, the candidate should at least be willing to learn German in the course of the project.

The holder of the position will have the opportunity to work on his/her own further qualification (habilitation) on topics related to the research project.

The University of Oldenburg is an equal opportunities employer. According to § 21 para. 3 of the Legislation Governing Higher Education in Lower Saxony (NHG) preference shall be given to female candidates in cases of equal qualification. The same applies to persons with disabilities.

Please send your application including a scientific writing sample (e.g. scientific article), preferably by e-mail in a single pdf document to sozialstruktur@uol.de, or by letter to Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Fakultät I, Institut für Sozialwissenschaften, Prof. Dr. Jannika Mattes, D – 26111 Oldenburg, Germany. Keyword: 2017-03-Regional-Energy. If you require any further information, please contact Mrs Mattes via e-mail at jannika [dot] mattes [at] uol [dot] de or via telephone (+49 441 7984552).

Please do not send us any folders or originals, as applications delivered by mail cannot be returned. The closing date for this application is 14 January 2018.

N.B. The German version of this advertisement, which is legally binding, may be found at http://uni-ol.de/stellen/65776.

This English version is for information only.

Ausschreibung Post-Doctoral Position in Applied Network Analysis or Data Science at MCC Berlin

MCC’s working group on Applied Sustainability Science is looking to recruit a motivated post-doctoral researcher with a background in network analysis or data science applied in the fields of sustainability and climate change. The research will be linked to the externally funded international project START (Strategic Scenario Analysis) that will examine energy transformations to zero emission societies.

Job duties
The successful candidate will be located at the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) in Berlin and work in the START project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research in cooperation with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The candidate will be involved in two major tasks: 1) a meta-research project, where we aim to understand the structure and evolution of the energy research landscape, and assess how well it aligns with the requirements of zero-carbon energy transitions; 2) a discourse-analysis project, where we aim to understand the evolution of scientific, political and public discourses on coal and decarbonization using vast archives of text such as newspaper archives, science repositories or parliamentary archives. The candidate will analyze large citation networks and apply machine learning algorithms from computational linguistics such as topic modelling. Collaboration with other researchers in the project (e.g. Australian National University, University of Melbourne, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, University of Münster) is expected. The ultimate objective of the position is to publish in international peer -reviewed journals and to contribute outputs to the wider community (background information, visualizations, code for reproduction etc.).

Job requirements
Applicants should hold a PhD in climate change, energy or sustainability with a record in applied quantitative analysis. Proven skills in network analysis and programming using R, Python, or comparable languages, as well as experience with the visualization of research results are a crucial requirement. Further experience with machine learning are an advantage, as is an interest in qualitative social science methodologies like discourse analysis. The candidate should demonstrate his or her proficiency in English and ability to publish in renowned peer-reviewed international journals.

Appointment terms
The position is to be filled as soon as possible, subject to negotiation. Salary for the position is according to the German TV-L (100% position). The contract duration is for two years. MCC follows a recruitment strategy that promotes equality and diversity and tolerance. We explicitly encourage qualified female candidates of suitable backgrounds to apply. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a job interview.

Applications
For application please send an e-mail with reference number PD_2017_2 to Ms. Liane Otto, otto [at] mcc-berlin [dot] net, with an electronic application containing by December, 31st 2017:
–  Curriculum Vitae
–  Motivation letter
–  One representative academic paper
–  Copies of relevant certificates
–  Two academic references

For content-related questions you can contact Prof. Jan Minx, minx [at] mcc-berlin [dot] net .

Portrait of the MCC
MCC was founded in 2012 by Stiftung Mercator and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and since 2014 it is affiliated with the Technical University (TU) Berlin. Our research is carried out in seven working groups and one special task force and it addresses the grand challenges of climate change and of governing the global commons. Our research is rooted primarily in economics and other social sciences. We provide scientific policy advice and aim to identify policy-relevant solutions. Cooperation with high-profile international partner organizations provides a network of excellence and foster the high quality of the research at MCC. Within a few years, MCC has established itself prominently in the climate policy research landscape, ranked as No. 1 of climate think tanks in Europe.
For more information about the institute, please visit http://www.mcc-berlin.net.

Ausschreibung IIASA research assistant

Research Assistant (part-time 30 hours per week)

Vacancy 31/2017 – The Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases (AIR) Program is looking to recruit a PhD candidate to model the emissions of greenhouse gases from the global nitrogen cycle. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with a supervisor from IIASA while pursuing their PhD.

Background:

The Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases (AIR) Program at IIASA pioneers the understanding of cost-effective policy intervention options that simultaneously reduce air quality and climate impacts of anthropogenic emissions while delivering other development benefits.

Within the GELUC project (Greenhouse Gas Effects of global Land-Use Competition) the AIR program explores spatially explicit strategies for reducing emissions of nitrogen compounds (especially nitrous oxide) and their implications on the nitrogen and carbon cycles. GELUC is funded by Austria’s National Science Foundation and carried out in cooperation with the Institute of Social Ecology (SEC) of the University for Agricultural Sciences (Vienna).

As part of this project, IIASA is now recruiting a Research Assistant to model the emissions of greenhouse gases from the global nitrogen cycle. The GELUC project allows up to two years of employment under the conditions granted to FWF-funded doctoral students.

Job Duties:

The successful candidate will develop and refine model approaches for estimating emissions of the greenhouse gas N2O and their interactions with emissions of CH4 and NH3 as well as with carbon budgets. The analysis will cover all important source sectors, but specifically address agricultural activities and semi-natural vegetation systems, and consider site-specific factors. Employing a spatially explicit model of land use, the work will develop scenarios of future N2O emissions illustrating the consequences of different biophysical conditions and agricultural practices. The analysis will interface with other models, i.e., the GAINS model developed at IIASA and the BioBAM model employed by SEC. The candidate will have the duty and the opportunity to present scientific papers at conferences and workshops and to publish in the scientific literature.

Required Skills:

  • Ability and willingness to process and manage large datasets, become proficient with a complex systems model, and analyze results.
  • Proficiency with statistical tools and programming (e.g., Python) is highly welcome. Also experience with operating GIS systems will be helpful.
  • Candidates must be able to develop new modeling approaches and think critically and independently about their research.
  • Ability to write in a clear and concise manner (in English) and to present factual, data-driven information. Proof of writing skills (e.g., copy of master thesis, possibly additional publications) is required.
  • Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills. The incumbent will closely interact between the IIASA team and the SEC group in Vienna, requiring a high degree of self-organization and the ability to integrate well into two independent teams.
  • The ability to prioritize workload in a pressured environment with competing demands and to manage timelines, deliverables and milestones will be essential in order to meet the requirements of the GELUC project; therefore proven experience in project-oriented research work is also desirable.
  • IIASA offers an interdisciplinary and international workplace and the possibility to interact with researchers of different nationalities, with strong ties to a world-wide network of research institutions engaged in environmental systems research. The successful candidate must be able to work in, and have respect for, an intercultural environment.

Eligibility:

Candidates must be eligible to enroll in a doctoral program. This means that they need to have completed a four-semester Master program, preferably in a subject such as environmental sciences, climate sciences, agricultural sciences, agricultural economy or related. Among other options, collaboration with SEC or with the Vienna University of Technology would allow for direct supervision of a PhD student by IIASA scientists.

Appointment Terms:

Duties will be carried out at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria.

The successful candidate is expected to assume their duties in early 2018 (ideally in February)  and will be offered an initial employment contract until 30 November 2019 (thereafter, there may be a possibility for a further contract extension).

IIASA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package (moving and settlement allowances, educational grants for children of school age, and five weeks’ annual vacation). IIASA salaries are exempt from taxation in the host country of Austria but subject to the principle of income aggregation.

IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply. In the case that candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to applicants who are nationals of IIASA member countries.

Applications:

To apply, please email the following:

  • A detailed Curriculum Vitae
  • A letter of application outlining your motivation and fit to the position
  • A recent example of research work e.g. copy of master’s thesis
  • The names and contact details of two work-related reference givers
  • At least one letter of recommendation

To: Ms. Alia Harrison, Recruitment Coordinator, Human Resources Department,
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA),
Schlossplatz 1, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria
E-mail: harrison [at] iiasa [dot] ac [dot] at

Deadline for receipt of applications: 8 January 2018. 

For further information about this position, please contact:

Winiwarter, Wilfried

Senior Research Scholar Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases

+43(0) 2236 807 479

winiwart [at] iiasa [dot] ac [dot] at

More

About Laxenburg (near Vienna)

IIASA is located in a former 18th century imperial palace of the Habsburg Monarchy in Laxenburg, Austria about 15 km from Vienna. The facility has been gratefully provided by the host country Austria to the International Scientific Community. According to Mercer’s 18th annual Quality of Living survey, Vienna continues its reign in the top spot for overall quality of living in 2016. The survey covers 230 cities worldwide and is based on 39 criteria such as political, social, economic, educational, and environmental factors. Vienna has all the facilities of a modern, progressive city, in the heart of Europe.

While famous for its concert venues, opera houses, theaters, and museums, Vienna also provides opportunities for great outdoor activities on nearby Lake Neusiedl, the Vienna Woods, and the Alps.

Vienna has a wealth of different research and international governmental institutions, permitting extensive dialogue at local and international level between scientists and policymakers.

For general information about our Institute and its research activities, please visit our IIASA Web site.

Internal reference# 160314

Utrecht University is hiring 11 assistant professors

11 Tenure –track positions “Assistant professor Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development” (1,0 FTE)
Job description
The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University invites highly motivated candidates for tenure-track positions to teach in our Bachelor’s programme Global Sustainability Science. You will teach courses in one of the four study tracks:

  1. Water, Climate & Ecosystems
  2. Energy & Resources
  3. Governance & Societal Transformation
  4. Sustainable Business & Innovation.

You may also teach courses in English in other Bachelor and Master programmes of the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development.
 

Next to teaching, you are expected to be talented in research. You are also expected to develop an internationally renowned research line and to acquire new research funds. Coaching and supervising PhD students is also one of your responsibilities. Your time will be split between teaching (60%) and research (40%).

1. Water, Climate & Ecosystems (2,0 FTE)

This track deals with the processes within natural systems (soil, vegetation and atmosphere). We are interested in the interaction between humans and the environment, taking into account the nutrient and water cycle, in order to develop sustainable solutions for water management, nature management and restoration, and land use for different purposes, such as food production or energy-crop cultivation while maintaining its biodiversity.

 

You have (1) a strong background in understanding (future) land use change and the impact this has on climate, the biosphere, and on water and nutrient cycles. We encourage applications from candidates with background in GIS, remote sensing and have demonstrated capacity to work with global databases or (2) a strong background in environmental hydrology and water management within the framework of sustainable development, including possible technological mitigation options. We encourage applications from candidates with affinity for environmental research (water quantity, water quality and water-environment-human interactions) and preferable a combination of experimental, field and modelling work. You will be positioned in the research section Environmental Science headed by Prof Martin Wassen.

2. Energy & Resources (2,0 FTE)

This track deals with the transition towards a sustainable energy and resources system. We define ourselves by stating that “the energy transition is our topic”. We take a truly interdisciplinary approach to energy and resources science, combining deep technical understanding with assessments of technology, techno-economic and life cycles of specific technologies with energy and resources system studies. Since we view the transition as a challenge at the system level we investigate five main aspects on that level: bio-based economy, industrial energy, materials and the circular economy, carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency, and renewable electricity and smart grids for the built environment.

 

We welcome applications from excellent educators and scientists in any of these areas, but we are particularly, but not exclusively, looking for candidates in the areas of energy systems modelling and the circular economy. You should be able to articulate a scientific aim for their personal research agenda in the societal context of the energy and resource transition. You will be positioned in the research section Energy and Resources headed by Prof Gert Jan Kramer.

3. Governance & Societal transformation (2,0 FTE)

This track deals with different modes of environmental governance (institutional design and effectiveness), normative foundations of governance (such as social justice and democratic legitimacy) and governance of societal transformations. We expect you to bring broad expertise (as evidenced by key publications and/or successful acquisition activities) on these themes. Empirically, you will have strong affinity with governance challenges in fields such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable production, biodiversity conservation, water management and/or sustainable urban development.
In addition, our research programme on environmental governance supports in all of its activities a transformative vision of change, expecting faculty members to engage in fresh thinking that goes beyond existing political institutions and governance systems, which have failed so far to address the fundamental sustainability challenges of our time. You will be positioned in the research section Environmental Governance headed by Prof Peter Driessen.

4. Sustainable Business & Innovation (3,0 FTE)

This track focuses on the strategies of firms in relation to sustainability challenges. There is a specific interest in the role of sustainable innovation and how this may accelerate sustainability transitions. You hold a doctoral degree (PhD) that is related to the field of Business Administration, Innovation Management, Change Management, Organization studies or a related discipline. You have a proven affinity with sustainable businesses, examples include: sustainability performance indicators,  sustainable business models or sustainable innovation / transitions; have a proven affinity with prominent theories of the firm and/or organizational change, examples include the resource based view, institutional theory, stakeholder management, or theories about leadership in change. You will be positioned in the research section Innovation Studies headed by Prof Marko Hekkert.

5. Interdisciplinary positions: Sustainability Science (2,0 FTE)

We search for two assistant professors who are able to bridge different disciplines within the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, and who are able to teach courses in which students are trained to carry out inter- and transdisciplinary projects. Contributing to the general courses on mathematics and statistics is highly appreciated.

For these positions, we invite you as someone with a wide variety of backgrounds, e.g. integrated assessment methods, social-ecological (or human-environmental) systems, transition studies, environmental impact assessment, industrial ecology or energy-water-food nexus, sustainability science, societal transformations, or complexity problems using big data (for example global and national datasets and new emerging data sets from citizen science and crowd-sourcing). We are also open for candidates with other backgrounds but with the capability to connect the different fields related to sustainability research.  Successful candidates can be positioned in any of the four research sections of the Copernicus Institute depending on main research interest.
Qualifications
We encourage applications from candidates who

  • have a PhD and a proven affinity with one or more of the above listed themes;
  • have experience with and talent for academic teaching;
  • have either a strong record of international peer-reviewed publications or a promising pipeline of papers;
  • have experience in successfully acquiring and carrying out externally funded projects or have good prospects in doing so;
  • are well connected to relevant academic partners as well as to stakeholders in society;
  • have excellent communication skills, are good in interpersonal relationships, are team players;
  • have affinity with working in an interdisciplinary research and teaching environment;
  • have affinity with public outreach, working with societal stakeholders and transdisciplinary research.
Offer
We offer 11 full-time tenure track positions that start with an initial period of two years, with an intended extension of either another two years or a conversion to a permanent position, subject to performance. Further career development to Associate Professor level is possible. Employment conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary is dependent on qualifications and experience and will start between € 3,475 and €  5,405 per month (scale 11/12). The salary is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. We also offer a pension scheme and flexible employment conditions. Here you’ll find more information about working at Utrecht University.
About the organization
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, colleagues from various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Sustainability, Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, and Life Sciences.

 

Utrecht University has been ranked in the 2017 Academic Ranking of World Universities as the best university in the Netherlands, and as one of the leading research universities in Europe. Utrecht University’s sustainability research has the greatest citation impact worldwide according to a study conducted by Times Higher Education (2016). The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.

 

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With 3400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organized in four departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Urban & Regional Planning, Physical Geography, and Innovation, Environmental & Energy Sciences (IEES). The research of the IEES department is organized in the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development.

 

The Copernicus Institute is part of the Faculty of Geosciences. The Copernicus Institute has been evaluated in a 2014 international review as the highest ranked research institute in environmental sciences in the Netherlands. Since then, the institute has intensified its efforts in maintaining its leading position, among others by investing in several new international faculty appointments and by developing new, internationally oriented teaching programs.

 

The tenure track positions will be affiliated with the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development and imbedded in one of the four sections of the Institute.
Additional information
  1. Water, Climate & Ecosystems – Prof Max Rietkerk, m [dot] g [dot] rietkerk [at] uu [dot] nl
  2. Energy & Resources – Prof Gert Jan Kramer, g [dot] j [dot] kramer [at] uu [dot] nl
  3. Governance & Societal Transformation – Prof Peter Driessen, p [dot] driessen [at] uu [dot] nl
  4. Sustainable Business & Innovation– Prof Rob Raven, r [dot] p [dot] j [dot] m [dot] raven [at] uu [dot] nl
  5. Interdisciplinary positions: Sustainability Science – Prof Ellen Moors, e [dot] h [dot] m [dot] moors [at] uu [dot] nl
Apply
To apply you can click one of the buttons below. Please attach your motivation for the position and indicate clearly which of the mentioned themes you are interested in, a statement of your research interests, a statement of your teaching experience and philosophy, curriculum vitae, and the names and email addresses of two referees. If you are interested in more than one of these positions you will need to apply for each position individually.

 

  1. Assistant professor Water, Climate & Ecosystems – apply here
  2. Assistant professor Energy & Resources – apply here
  3. Assistant professor Governance & Societal Transformation – apply here
  4. Assistant professor Sustainable Business & Innovation – apply here
  5. Assistant professor Sustainability Science (Inter- and transdisciplinary positions) – apply here
The application deadline is
15/01/2018
Apply