Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability Transformation

Job summary

This postdoctoral position focuses on advancing research in sustainability, innovation, and systems transformation at a leading technical university. The role involves developing new methods to help organizations transform energy and food systems within planetary boundaries while maintaining innovation capacity.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in engineering, sustainability, industrial ecology, energy systems, food systems, design engineering, innovation management, transition studies, socio-technical systems, or a related field.
• Strong research record with peer-reviewed publications relevant to sustainability transitions.
• Interest in implementing sustainability strategies in practice.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience in coordinating research activities and engaging with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate research activities within the project, ensuring scientific progress.
• Supervise and mentor an associated PhD candidate.
• Explore organizational trade-offs in transitioning to sustainable operations.
• Develop methods for translating sustainability goals into actionable strategies.
• Investigate integration of sustainability targets into technology development and decision-making.
• Develop sustainability-oriented road mapping and transition planning approaches.
• Coordinate collaboration with industrial and academic partners through workshops and case studies.
• Disseminate research findings through publications and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision within the Centre.
• Support project management activities and stakeholder communication.

Skills

• Experience with sustainability assessment, innovation management, transition studies, and systems thinking.
• Familiarity with energy and food systems, sustainability modeling, or technology development in sustainability transitions is advantageous.

Education

• A formal qualification of a PhD degree (or equivalent) is required.

Tools

• Familiarity with research methodologies and tools relevant to sustainability assessment and systems transformation.