Assistant Professor in Local Photovoltaics Integration (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)

At the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, we are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious colleague to further strengthen the Energy & Resources group in terms of research, teaching and outreach with a specific focus on local photovoltaics integration.

Our goal is to have a positive impact on the transition towards a sustainable future. Mitigating climate change is one of the key sustainability challenges of our time. Meeting the Paris Agreement by limiting global warming to below 1.5 – 2°C at the end of the 21st century requires deep greenhouse gas emission reductions, reaching net zero around 2050. Photovoltaics is considered a key technology in reaching a zero-emission society. The Energy & Resources group is looking to fill a full-time Assistant Professor position in the area of photovoltaics integration to further support the E&R group in developing its multi-disciplinary research and teaching capacity. This includes photovoltaic systems (both onshore and (hybrid) offshore), (zero energy/energy plus) building integration, and system performance analysis and forecasting.

In collaboration with E&R staff predominantly active in renewable energy systems integration, i.e., solar and wind energy, the candidate will further develop the existing portfolio of research in photovoltaic systems analysis, with an emphasis on modelling, big data analytics, forecasting, grid integration, energy communities, and technology, economic and environmental analysis. Also, a proven interest in multi-disciplinary research collaboration on other topics within the Pathways to Sustainability program (e.g. circular economy) is an advantage. The candidate will be responsible for managing, developing, and teaching courses for Bachelor and Master of Science programs in the area of renewable energy systems integration.

As our new Assistant Professor you:

• hold a PhD in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or equivalent;
• have at least 3-5 years expertise in system integration of solar photovoltaics, mathematical optimization and/or data analytics applied to the energy sector;
• are comfortable working in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary settings;
• have experience with and an interest in academic teaching, especially with focus on teaching methods that involve modeling and simulation;
• have a basic teaching qualification or are willing to obtain this qualification within two years after appointment;
• have a network that can lead to acquisition of externally funded projects;
• have a strong record of international peer-reviewed publications;
• are well connected to relevant academic partners, as well as relevant stakeholders in society;
• have excellent communication skills and experience in social engagement and public outreach;
• can demonstrate excellent English language proficiency. We require a qualification English at C1 level (CEFR or comparable to level 3 of the Lecturer Assessment Grid) or you are prepared to obtain this level by training;
• are proficient in Dutch or prepared to acquire Dutch language skills.

We offer a position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) for a probationary period of 18 months. Permanent employment will be offered based upon good performance, according to the Faculty’s performance indicators, after 18 months. The Faculty of Geosciences has an excellent merit-based career and promotion policy. As part thereof, career development up to Associate Professor (level 2) is possible without a so called ‘formation principle’, yet based on performance. The gross monthly starting salary – depending on qualifications and experience - ranges between €3,974 and €5,439 (scale 11 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities) for a full-time employment. 
Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition, you will have access to all equipment in our state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, coaching for teaching and supervision of researchers, and training and support regarding the acquisition of external funds. Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions , including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University .

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
 
Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is part of the Faculty of Geosciences. At the Copernicus Institute, our goal is to have a positive impact on the transition towards a sustainable future. The Copernicus Institute has had an excellent research evaluation in 2021 and the Institute takes pride in maintaining its leading position in national and international sustainability research, and by developing new, internationally oriented teaching programmes.
The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a historic centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its centuries-old university. Utrecht has been consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the Netherlands, and is well-connected to local and international transport hubs.

For more information about this position, please contact Prof Wilfried van Sark via [email protected] . 
You are also invited to join our online information session via Microsoft Teams on:

• Wednesday 9 November between 15.00 - 16.00 CEST.
  Please send an email to Sophie Ketting via [email protected] if you want to participate in the meeting. The Teams link will then be sent to you.

You can ask us about our profiles and tasks of the offered position, the possibilities of professional development, and moving to and living in Utrecht (housing, visa, schools, partner opportunities). We look forward to meeting you!