PhD in Spatial aspects and energy infrastructure in energy system modelling (1.0 FTE)

Utrecht University, Netherlands

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PhD in Spatial aspects and energy infrastructure in energy system modelling (1.0 FTE)

PhD in Spatial aspects and energy infrastructure in energy system modelling (1.0 FTE)

Job description
Today, society is facing a multitude of challenges to come to a sustainable society. Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges and accelerating the energy transition and realizing a circular economy is prioritized by many countries and stakeholders. Spatial aspects and impacts are very important in the energy transition, for example by the large(r) footprints of renewables, connecting fluctuation renewable electricity supplies to demand and ongoing system integration and sector coupling. This makes the spatial layout of the energy system and, as a key component the energy infrastructure a critical and complex matter. Although a range of tools and methods exist to analyse such aspects, the full incorporation of spatial aspects in advanced and detailed energy system models remains a challenge.
In this project you will help develop a joint modelling approach in collaboration with other PhD and senior researchers. Your project is focused on advancing energy system modelling capabilities with spatial characteristics, in particular with respect to improving the way in which future energy infrastructure capacity can and should be developed. Although various modelling tools to cover spatial representation of (renewable) energy demand and supply and simulation of energy infrastructure are available, integrated analyses that encompass the major changes in the entire energy system of the coming decades (including uncertainties) and all energy infrastructure elements (electricity, hydrogen, CO2, heat, etc.) are rare.
This project will build on existing energy system modelling tools on national, regional and well as international level, high quality databases (GIS) and dedicated energy infrastructure modelling tools, to develop and apply an improved approach to cover the mentioned elements. With such capabilities, the required and desired planning and roll out of future energy infrastructure can be better understood, optimized and implemented. This will allow to connect the gained insights to other parallel projects within the programme that focuses on modelling the energy and climate transition. The PhD-project is part of the programme KCET, which aims to generate integrated insights for the energy transition between TNO, Utrecht University, and other partners, You will closely collaborate with other PhD researchers in this programme and staff from the participating institutions.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate has a background and proven interest in energy system modelling, GIS methods and data management, programming skills (e.g. Python) and a relevant Master's degree in e.g. engineering, energy and environmental sciences. The project is multidisciplinary in nature and affinity with or interest of working in an interdisciplinary environment is important.

Offer

You will be offered a temporary position (1.0 FTE), initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. The gross salary ranges between €2,541 in the first year and €3,247 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. 
In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions , including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit 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 , 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.
You will be employed at Utrecht University and carry out the research at both TNO and UU.

Additional information
For more information about this position, please contact Prof. dr. Ernst Worrell (Professor Energy, materials & environment), via [email protected]  or Prof. dr. André Faaij, via [email protected] .

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Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation via the 'apply' button.

The application deadline is
15/11/2022
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