Job Faculty of Law - PhD position EU Climate Law and Economics (0,8 fte)

The position concerns PhD research in the field of EU climate law and economics, more particularly on 'Linking emissions trading to additional sectors'. The PhD candidate employs a behavioral law and economics approach to answer the following central question: what are the legal and behavioral conditions of expanding the EU ETS to new sectors in an efficient way? Currently only large emitters are included in the ETS, such as electricity producers. The aviation sector will be included soon. Should emissions rights, as a next step, also be allocated directly to households and motorists? Several sub-questions need to be answered then. Which design variants have been developed and how should they be elaborated? How can the administrative costs of such a scheme be reduced? Which design provides the strongest incentive for reducing energy use? How to boost behavioral acceptance of emissions trading for small emitters? The PhD candidate preferably analyzes the economic, legal and behavioral requirements for such an expanded ETS, but - next to the economic conditions - she/he may also focus more on either the legal or the behavioral aspects. Apart from this theme, taken up in a larger research program, the candidate may also formulate an own research proposal on the law and economics of the EU ETS; in that case a draft proposal (of no more than 1.000 words) should be attached to the application.

Preferred starting date: January 2011.

The position might be enlarged to 1,0 fte (38 hours a week for 4 years), depending on the internal allocation of additional funds which is, however, uncertain at this moment.

- MA in Law and Economics, with excellent marks. Also possible is MA in Economics with sufficient regulation courses, or MA in Law with sufficient economics courses. Outstanding students near graduation are also encouraged to apply
- preferably knowledge of behavioral law and economics as well as an active interest in climate law
- good knowledge of English (written and oral) and excellent communication and reporting skills
- demonstrable competences: flexibility, independence, analytical skills.

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,042 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 2,612 gross per month in the final year based on a full-time position. It is a temporary appointment for a period of 4 years. The initial 1.5-year appointment may be prolonged by another 2.5 years. After the first year a formal performance assessment will take place concerning the feasibility of successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next 2.5 years.

Please provide the names and contact information of at least two academic referees in your curriculum vitae.

The University of Groningen (founded in 1614) has a highly international character and a long tradition of academic excellence and is one of the oldest research universities in Europe. Currently some 27,000 students are enrolled and every year about 250 PhD students defend their theses. The University also has a special connection with the energy sector as it is situated on top of the Groningen gas field and has close ties with the energy industry. The Board of the University has chosen 'energy' as one of the key areas for its research and teaching.

The Faculty of Law is building on its long-standing tradition of four centuries. It is known for its solid legal research and its degree programmes have been rated the best in The Netherlands. The Faculty gives high priority to the international dimension of teaching and research.

Groningen Centre of Energy Law (GCEL)
Within the Faculty, the Groningen Centre of Energy Law coordinates all research involving various parts of the energy sector. Its research covers the legislation and regulation of the entire energy chain, the promotion of renewable energy sources, the need to secure energy supplies as well as issues concerning climate change and environmental protection. Economic analysis of the law is a vital part of the centre's expertise.

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the cornerstone of EU climate policy and the largest cap-and-trade scheme in the world. This makes the EU ETS one of the key research subjects of GCEL.

Dr Edwin Woerdman, Associate Professor of Law and Economics
+31 50 3635736,
e.woerdman@rug.nl
Prof. Oscar Couwenberg, Professor of Law and Economics
+31 50 3636882,
o.couwenberg@rug.nl
Faculty of Law
Groningen Centre of Energy Law