Postdoc in (Un)Sustainable Behaviour Mechanisms - DTU Construct

Do you want to break new ground and push the boundaries of sustainable design towards higher impact?

If you have a PhD in Behavioural Sciences, Economics (behavioural/ecological/energy), Psychology (environmental/evolutionary), or related areas and you want to work at the very front of the new scientific revolution within sustainability transitions, this is a job of high relevance for you.

At DTU Construct you will break new ground at the absolute forefront for enabling the design of sustainable solutions and be an active part of REBOUNDLESS, a prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant project, recently awarded by the European Research Council.

You will contribute to the development of the reboundless design theory, a paradigm shift in design science that will establish the scientific knowledge for preventing rebound effects (i.e., unintended consequences of interventions that arise due to induced changes in system behaviour (leading to higher sustainability impacts). You will have the opportunity to join top interdisciplinary scientists from all over the world and make a personal impact in solving some of the most critical challenges the world is facing.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Unveiling the mechanisms giving rise to rebound effects.

Never has there been a stronger global focus on solving the pressing sustainability challenges, but the expected positive societal impact will not be achieved unless rebound effects are prevented.

Your focus will be to drive the identification of the behavioural mechanisms of rebound effects triggered by efficiency, effectiveness, and sufficiency design strategies, building upon existing cases with empirical evidence of rebound effects across four needs (housing, nutrition, mobility and consumables).

More specifically, you will focus on expanding the current understanding of the triggers, drivers and mechanisms giving rise to rebound effects, further advancing current knowledge of rebound effects from ecological economics, energy economics, etc. In collaboration with a system dynamics researcher, you will lead the development of systemic mechanisms causing the observed rebound effects. Your primary tasks will include:

• Collect, categorize and systematize cases and datasets with empirical evidence of rebound effects.
• Identify the key behavioural factors giving rise to the occurrence of rebound effects via meta-analysis (incl. qualitative and quantitative data analysis).
• Develop and test behavioural mechanisms and patterns of behaviour giving rise to rebound effects.
• Publish research results in high-end scientific articles and conferences.
• Support with co-supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD students, as well as engage in teaching activities.

Your new workplace will be DTU’s main campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Copenhagen and you are expected to work mostly from the office, to ensure strong collaboration with the research team. 

PhD in Behavioural Sciences, Economics (behavioural/ecological/energy), Psychology (environmental/ evolutionary) or related areas

We are looking for a visionary profile who thrives on turning exciting challenges into solutions based on curiosity and an open mind for entering new paths when necessary. As a Scientist, you can naturally drive things forward on your own. Equally important is it that you like to create results based on knowledge sharing and positive teamwork.

As you will work in a highly interdisciplinary group, you must also bring collaboration, critical thinking, and planning skills backed by excellent communication ability in written and spoken English. Additionally, your CV comprises:

• A PhD Behavioural Sciences, Economics (behavioural/ecological/energy), Psychology (environmental/ evolutionary) or related areas
• Strong knowledge of bounded rationality, decision-making processes and behavioural theories at the individual level
• Solid skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis (e.g., QCA), systematic literature reviews, case studies, data collection,
• Preferably some years’ experience from sustainability transitions and/or sustainable
• Good understanding of system thinking, system dynamics or agent-based modelling – advantageous but not mandatory for applying

The REBOUNDLESS group – your new team
You will join a top-class ERC scientific team that is currently being constructed, meaning you will get the opportunity to influence our ways of working as well as our environment. When completed, our team will consist of ca. 7 researchers who work hands-in-hand (incl. academic staff, researchers, postdocs, PhD students and research assistants). Our team is part of a larger research group at DTU Construct focused on Circular Economy and Sustainable Design, within the Section of Engineering Design and Product Development. We will also actively collaborate with the DTU Centre for Absolute Sustainability.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is planned for September 2023 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Daniela C. A. Pigosso at [email protected]  

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at https://construct.dtu.dk/  

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 12 May 2023 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• A one-page scientific review discussing the importance of identifying the behavioural aspects of rebound effects (references can be added in page 2)

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and the sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within engineering design, building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, and thermal energy systems.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.