Postdocs in energy and environmental systems analysis of maritime transport

We invite applicants to join our team of researchers within the area of environmental and energy systems analysis focusing on the transition towards a sustainable transport sector. We are looking for two postdoctoral researchers in energy and environmental systems modelling focusing on future fuels and propulsion systems for the maritime sector. This is an opportunity for you to contribute to the development of techno-economic and environmental assessment evaluation frameworks and/or the development of energy system optimization models. The research is applied and closely linked to industrial interests and needs. Project description Our research aims to provide long-term, and most often global, perspectives on future renewable fuels for transport. We seek to rigorously analyse the feasibility of energy transitions, utilize empirical as well as estimated data, and explore whether and under what conditions changes can occur as well as the cost-effectiveness and environmental effects of such changes. Research tools include life cycle assessment, techno-economic assessments, and cost-minimizing models where all energy sectors compete for the same primary energy sources in a future carbon constrained world. Currently, we have a special interest in the decarbonization of the maritime sector. For the first postdoctoral position we are looking for someone who can work in the Horizon Europe project “Advanced POwer conversion technologies based on onboard ammonia cracking through novel membrane reactors (APOLO)”. The task is to lead and coordinate Chalmers work and to carry out life cycle sustainability assessments of the APOLO concept and other possible competing future fuels and propulsion systems for shipping. In this project you will collaborate with all consortium partners in the APOLO project. For the second postdoctoral position we are looking for someone who can work in the project “Potential for electrifying ships from a fleet perspective - understanding power demand and grid capacity”. The task is to develop a new energy system model for ship electrification for all ships entering the port of Gothenburg and connect the model to electricity grid models to understand both limitations on the ship side as well as on the shore side. In this project you will collaborate with at least two other divisions at Chalmers: Marine Technology and Energy Technology. Information about the department The positions will be hosted by the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences. The department is highly diverse, with close links to the automotive, aerospace and maritime industry in Gothenburg. Among a range of fundamental and applied research in these areas, we have a strong focus on shipping decarbonization and the marine environment. You will be joining the Grahn and Brynolf research team, presently consisting of three senior researchers, three postdocs and four PhD students. It is embedded in an interdisciplinary environment where we have close collaboration with other research teams at Chalmers such as technology experts, systems engineers, natural and social scientists carrying out research on solutions to major environmental challenges. We also collaborate with international organizations within both academia and industry. Major responsibilities Your main responsibility will be to perform studies assessing the potential to decarbonize the maritime sectors. You are expected to contribute to develop existing and new models (life cycle sustainability assessment models or energy system models). You will be involved in training PhD students, supervising MSc students and the position may also include teaching on Chalmers' graduate and undergraduate levels. You are expected to have the ability to plan and organize your work and work independently in close collaboration with other group members and project partners. You are, further, expected to, in English, communicate your findings, both in written form and orally at e.g., conferences and to relevant stakeholders. Qualifications To qualify for the postdoctoral position, you should possess a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as, energy technology, environmental economy, applied mathematics, environmental science, electrical engineering or naval architecture with a specialization in life cycle assessment, energy systems analysis, energy modelling or energy transitions at the graduate level. Proven experience with data analysis and programming (e.g., GAMS, Matlab, Python, R, Brightway, OpenLCA, ArcGIS) is also a must. Knowledge of alternative transport fuels, global energy transition or maritime transport is beneficial. You are, further, expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills in English and a strong commitment to scientific inquiry. We are looking for motivated and independent researchers with good analytical skills who is interested in the energy sector transition and interdisciplinary research with a holistic systems perspective. We also believe that you have a strong curiosity and a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management. Contract terms The postdoc positions are full-time temporary employment for two years. Application procedure The application should be marked with 20240531 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 as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including: • CV, include complete list of publications • Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences • Two references that we can contact. Personal letter: (Ref. number) 1-3 pages where you: • Introduce yourself • Describe your previous research fields and main research results • Describe your future goals and future research focus Other documents: • Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates. 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: 2024-11-10   For questions, please contact: selma.brynolf@chalmers.se, Researcher at Maritime Environmental Science