Funded PhD in Netherlands on Smart Grids

Eindhoven University of Technology
School of Innovation Sciences: Technology, Innovation & Society Group

has a vacancy for a
Postdoctoral Fellow “Developing and Implementing Smart Grids in India”-
0,7 fte, 4 years

Vacancy ID: V39.2368

Starting date: December 1st, 2015

This position is embedded within a project funded by NWO under the call “Social Responsible Innovation”. The Postdoc will work with Prof. Geert Verbong and Dr. Johanna Höffken.

The hosting department
The Technology, Innovation and Society (TIS) group of the School of Innovation Sciences focuses on the transition towards a sustainable society. Sustainability is conceived as a broad notion that includes environmental, economic, social, ethical, institutional and cultural aspects. The analysis of long-term structural changes in society towards sustainability and of interventions in these long-term processes (including the design of tools for policy and collective decision making), are the key issues in research and teaching of the TIS group. A key concern, especially in this vacancy, is to apply and further develop social practice theory to analyze emerging sustainability practices. Another concern is to apply knowledge gained during research directly to practice.
The interdisciplinary TIS group is an internationally known, thriving research group that aims to tackle key sustainability challenges. TIS partners with research networks such as the STRN or WTMC. Within the TIS group you will work with friendly and highly motivated colleagues, which embeds your research career in a stimulating professional atmosphere.

Description of the project
The Postdoctoral researcher will be employed in the context of the project “Developing and Implementing Smart Grids in India”. Successful smart grid development is not simply a matter of getting the technology right: social embedding, ethical acceptability and institutional support are at least as important. This project sets out to answer the overall research question: How can smart grids be successfully developed and implemented in rural India? This question is addressed by closely studying, informing and adjusting the actual process of developing and implementing smart grids on a local scale. In an iterative process the project will define, develop and test prototypes that enable a smart exchange of electricity in rural India. Research will proceed through an interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, businesses and societal stakeholders.

Tasks
The postdoctoral fellow will -in close cooperation with the project partners- carefully study routines and actions related to smart grid implementation in the specific local settings in rural India. This will provide empirical insights into engagement and implementation approaches as well as user practices and values related to smart grid technology.
She/he will publish the results via conference contributions and papers in international peer-reviewed journals. The position includes the active involvement in the teaching curriculum of the TIS group, including supervision of student projects on the BSc and MSc level.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications for this position are a PhD or expected PhD in relevant social sciences ( e.g. Science, Technology and Society studies (STS); Transition Studies; Innovation Studies or human geography). Knowledge of the Indian (energy) context and/or research experience with sustainability issues is highly recommended.

Qualitative research methods will be applied, including field trips to India, interviews, focus groups, participative observation. In addition, an open mind, a “hands-on” /solution-oriented attitude, and the ability to communicate and collaborate across disciplinary boundaries is essential. Fluency in English is required.


Conditions of employment
We offer:
•         a challenging postdoctoral appointment for a period of 4 years in a dynamic and ambitious university;
•         a gross monthly salary between € 2977,- and € 3908,- per month (on a full-time basis), depending on experience and knowledge; the position foresees 0,7 fte.
•         a yearly holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary;
•         an annual end-of-year allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary;
•         a broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, savings schemes, and excellent sports facilities).




Information
More information about the TIS group can be found https://www.tue.nl/en/university/departments/industrial-engineering-innovation-sciences/research/research-groups/technology-innovation-society/. For further information about this position, please contact Johanna Höffken, j.i.hoffken@tue.nl<mailto:j.i.hoffken@tue.nl>.

Information about terms of employment can be obtained from Mrs. Jolanda van der Sande, personnel officer (pz.ieis@tue.nl<mailto:pz.ieis@tue.nl>). Further information about the Eindhoven University of Technology can be found at www.tue.nl<http://www.tue.nl>.

Application
Your application must contain the following documents (all in English):
·         Cover letter (2 page max.), where you motivate your interest in this vacancy and explicitly explain in which ways you represent a good match;
·         An extensive curriculum vitae including a publication list;
·         Copies of relevant (working) papers;
·         Name and contact information of two references;


Please note that a maximum of 5 documents can be uploaded. We invite you to apply at your earliest convenience, but no later than 31 Oct 2015. You can send us your application through the online job portal of the TU/e: http://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancies.html or by clicking here<http://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancy/postdoctoral-fellow-quotdeveloping-and-implementing-smart-grids-in-indiaquot-230901.html>. Applications per email are not accepted.

Link to job announcement:
http://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancy/postdoctoral-fellow-quotdeveloping-and-implementing-smart-grids-in-indiaquot-230901.html
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