PhD Researcher in Sustainability Transformation (On-site)

Job summary

This PhD position focuses on researching sustainability, innovation, and energy transition at a leading technical university. The role involves developing methods to support organizations in transforming energy systems within planetary boundaries while maintaining competitiveness.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, sustainability, industrial ecology, energy systems, design engineering, innovation management, transition studies, socio-technical systems, or a related field.
• Strong interest in sustainability transitions and practical implementation of sustainability strategies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Experience in sustainability assessment, innovation management, transition studies, systems thinking, or energy systems modeling is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how organizations manage trade-offs in transitioning to sustainable operations.
• Develop methods to translate Absolute Sustainability goals into actionable strategies for energy technologies and systems.
• Integrate sustainability targets into development, scenario modeling, and decision-making processes.
• Create sustainability-oriented roadmaps and transition plans.
• Analyze transformation pathways for energy technology domains such as wind energy and battery technology.
• Collaborate with industrial and academic partners through workshops and case studies.
• Disseminate research findings via publications and presentations.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision within the Centre and related departments.

Education

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent is required.

Tools

• Familiarity with energy systems modeling and sustainability assessment tools is beneficial.