PhD student position in Innovation systems of emerging fission and fusion technologies

This position provides the opportunity to deep-dive into research at the crossroad of the vibrant fields of transition studies, industrial dynamics, climate change, sustainable development and physics. The position will give you the opportunity to work with experienced scholars and get access to networks stretching across academia and industry in an area at the center of political attention.

Project description
Climate change mitigation, energy security concerns and cumulative technical development have led to a renewed interest in nuclear energy. However, established nuclear fission technology suffers from long construction times, high up-front costs, limited learning, and high political risk. Small modular reactors (SMRs) could potentially open a new trajectory for nuclear fission, and thermonuclear fusion could open a completely new space for innovation and industrial development. To realise such visions, not only technical problems, but also a broad set of economic and institutional barriers related to developing new industrial value chains need to be overcome. This PhD project at Chalmers, in cooperation with RISE, applies the technological innovation systems (TIS) framework to identify barriers and drivers in different parts of the emerging sociotechnical systems around SMRs and fusion reactors, with the aim of providing foresight to policymakers and industry.

Information about the division
The research is conducted at the division of Environmental Systems Analysis at the department of Technology Management and Economics. The division conducts research on technology governance, including environmental assessment of technology and organisation, and studies of system transformation. Our research requires inter- and transdisciplinary efforts combining environmental assessment, such as life cycle assessment, with approaches from social science, such as innovation system and transition studies, often in close interaction with stakeholders. The division offers a range of courses in related areas. The division has around 35 staff members, faculty and PhD-students with diverse expertise, including engineering, natural and social sciences.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student you will have the responsibility to pursue doctoral studies including a research project and doctoral courses. You are expected to plan and organize your work, work independently, collaborate closely with supervisors, other researchers and partner stakeholders, and be able to communicate scientific results, both orally and in written form, in English. In addition to research and coursework, you are expected to take part in seminars and conferences. The doctoral program is supposed to lead to the doctoral degree, equivalent to four years of full-time studies. Since there are also teaching obligations, the position is expected to be five years long.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Qualifications
You are self-propelled learner with a critical mind, motivated by a will to contribute to global sustainability agendas. You have a background in the engineering sciences in areas like physics, industrial ecology or energy systems, with a demonstrated experience in social science, or you are a social scientist with a demonstrated experience in engineering and physics. You are familiar with innovation and transition studies.

To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240274 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your research interests and future goals

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 2024-05-26

For questions, please contact:
Professor Björn Sandén, Environmental Systems Analysis,
bjorn.sanden@chalmers.se

Associate Professor Hans Hellsmark, Environmental Systems Analysis,
hans.hellsmark@chalmers.se

Johnn Andersson, RISE,
johnn.andersson@ri.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!