PhD Position in Behavioural research to stimulate large scale participation in energy efficiency in residential homes (4 years)

Are you interested in behavioural research and stimulate large scale participation in energy efficiency in residential homes? Then Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Delft University of Technology would like to get to know you.

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 0.8 - 1

The requested PhD position is seeking motivated candidates in behavioural research to overcome the complexity of the current energy transition in residential homes with participation in novel decision support/engagement tools. The project will research effective citizen engagement and participation forming an iterative process of design, translation into requirements, testing, and improvement. With desk research, interviewing citizens, and designing and running participatory value evaluation, the PhD candidate will uncover what is needed to encourage citizens to engage and participate via the digital platforms and, collectively, contribute to accelerating the energy transition.

The objectives are to contribute to 1. Generate knowledge on how to develop new or adapt existing engagement and participation strategies to reach larger groups of citizens; 2. Improve our understanding of how to scale up engagement and participation strategies to reach larger groups of citizens; 3. Co-design and evaluation of (digital) engagement and participation strategies specifically designed for online platforms and make an important contribution to the sustainable energy transition.

This position is one of the 11 PhD positions of the project ALIGN4Energy, funded by the Netherlands Science Foundation (NWO), with a strong focus on the behavioural and quantitative economic sciences. The position is hosted jointly by the Department of Environmental Economics of the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Energy & Industry group and the TPM Energy Transition Lab at the Faculty of Technology Policy and Management at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). At both universities you will join a lively community of internationally renowned interdisciplinary energy and economy researchers in the Departments of Engineering Systems and Services (TU Delft) and Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM, VU). Both institutes host a diverse group of people from different countries and disciplines, and we welcome candidates that contribute to and enjoy this diversity, while both VU and TU Delft also host other PhD positions in this project. Intensive collaboration with researchers from these and other Dutch universities and research institutes is anticipated as well as with industry and other stakeholders.

Your duties

• analyse, conceptualise and rethink survey data and field experimental data with large groups
• explore choice strategies, system efficiencies and behavioural interventions to large numbers of citizens
• initiate iterative process of design, translation into requirements, testing, and improvement
• co-design of (digital) citizen engagement and participation strategy

• a Master’s degree in (Behavioural/Environmental) Economics, Complex Systems Engineering and Management, Econometrics, Social Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or a related discipline with a strong behavioural science focus and/or a specialisation in energy systems analysis
• affinity with and interest in behavioural economics/social psychology, behavioural interventions and prior experience with experimental behavioural science research
• affinity with energy systems, energy infrastructures and energy policy and collaboration and communication skills
• strong background and/or strong interest in quantitative economics/statistical data analysis, including analysis of survey data and field experimental data (randomized controlled trials / RCTs)
• Dutch language skills and/or experience in the Dutch context are an asset but not a requirement

A challenging position in a socially involved organisation. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2.443 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,122 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a duration of 3 years. Your main appointment is at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment, 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus, solid pension scheme (ABP), contribution to commuting expenses, optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

This is a joint position of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). At both universities you join a lively community of internationally renowned interdisciplinary energy and economy researchers. You are actively involved in both universities.

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

The Faculty of Science at VU
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students. At VU you will work at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) .

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management at TU Delft
With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security.
We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.
At TU Delft you will work at the Faculty Technology, Policy and Management .

Diversity
At VU, we are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences. At TU Delft, we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct ). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter by 

. The job interviews are planned for 29 August 2022 and 5 September 2022, when possible please take them into account when applying for the position.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name:Dr. S.J. Kluiving
Position: Associate Professor Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)/Environmental Humanities Center
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://vu.nl/ivm

Name: Dr.ir. E.J.L. Chappin
Position: Associate Professor Faculty Technology Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Co-director TPM Energy Transition Lab
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/tpm/

No agencies