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Post-doctoral Researcher within Energy Transitions

Employer
NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - NTNU
Location
Trondheim, Norway
Closing date
15 Jan 2021

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About the position

NTNU, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture (KULT), is announcing a 2-year vacancy (www.ntnu.no/kult) as a post doc in science and technology studies (STS) working on energy transitions. The post doc will be part of the departments centre for technology and society and the research group on energy, climate and environment. The post doc is 100% funded by the research project BEHAVIOUR, which seeks to understand better how new patterns of energy choices amongst citizens might affect future energy systems.

The post doc will be responsible for conducting three qualitative case studies which explores initiatives or projects that has successfully stimulated the uptake of electric vehicles, flexible energy use or building appliances such as heat pumps or photovoltaic solar cells. These case studies will serve as a basis for high quality scientific publications, exploring e.g. the organizational, institutional, technological and practical conditions of success.

The BEHAVIOUR project is an ambitious interdisciplinary and mixed-methods effort which combines such qualitative case studies with work on agent-based modelling and energy systems modelling. The case studies conducted by the post doc will be important for informing the assumptions made when building agent-based models. Therefore, it is important that the appointed post doc has a collaborative and interdisciplinary mindset, as close collaboration across disciplines is essential for the success of this project. The post doc will also participate in activities organized through the Norwegian Centre for Energy Transition Strategies (NTRANS).

The post doc should preferably have a background in Science and Technology Studies and/or energy transition studies. A track-record of conducting work on energy related issues will be an advantage. Applications from related social science/humanities fields such as geography, sociology, political science, or anthropology will also be considered. The candidate should have a strong record of conducting qualitative work involving methods such as interviews, focus groups and document analysis. An interest in and understanding of quantitative methods will also be an advantage. Fluency in a Scandinavian language will be an advantage.

Main duties and responsibilities

The successful applicant must

  • Conduct systematic empirical data collection as described above
  • Be able to analyze such data through theories and concepts from science and technology studies or related SSH theories, e.g. from within the sustainability transitions literature.
  • Produce and publish research articles based on such methods and analyses
  • Collaborate closely with researchers working on agent-based modelling and energy systems modelling on the development of models and potential joint publications.   
  • Present and disseminate work at relevant national and international venues
  • Be an active participant in the day-to-day activities at KULT, the centre for technology and society and in relevant initiatives at the department

Qualification requirements

  • Applicants must hold a PhD in Science and technology studies (STS), or a PhD in another relevant social scientific or humanities discipline. Examples include sociology, anthropology, innovation studies, political science or human geography.
  • Applicants must be highly motivated to conduct cutting edge research through an intense and collaborative two-year project.
  • Experience in interdisciplinary research is an advantage 
  • Applicants should demonstrate relevant research experiences, either within social scientific and humanities studies of energy or through past analyses of the role of technology in society.
  • The applicant should have an interest in, and experience in qualitative research methods
  • Fluency in a Scandinavian language will be considered an advantage.
  • Knowledge of and interest in quantitative methods will be considered an advantage 
  • Excellent English skills are required (written and oral)

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

Personal characteristics

Personal suitability to enter cross-disciplinary research teams is a prerequisite. Suitable candidates should have the ability to cooperate, have good communication skills, be flexible and solution-oriented

We offer

Salary and conditions

The employment period is 2 years.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 545 300 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work. The position is subject to external funding.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application should contain:

  • CV
  • A two-page statement describing how your scholarly profile fits with the work of the project (max 2 pages).
  • 3 references
  • A list of publications
  • Relevant documentation and transcripts

The application with attachments should be marked HF 20-044 and must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge. For relevant applicants we will gather references and conduct interviews.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI): http://www.chsi.com.cn/en/).

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

More information can be obtained by contacting prof. Tomas Moe Skjølsvold, email: tomas.skjolsvold@ntnu.no

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. 

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. 

Application deadline: 15.01.2021

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture

We conduct research and teaching in two subject areas: equality and diversity, and science and technology studies. The Department has an active research environment with a high proportion of external funding. The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Humanities.

Deadline 15th January 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service 

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