Research projects
ESR 1: Modelling of Whole North Sea Energy System (University of Groningen, the Netherlands)
ESR 2: Modelling Dispatchable Loads in Interlinked Power, Heat and Transport Models (Europa-Universität Flensburg, Germany)
SR 3: Modelling of Policies and Investments for a Large-scale Introduction of Variable Renewable Energy Power Production (Chalmers University, Sweden)
ESR 4: Spatial Modelling and Potentials of Energy Systems and Transport for the North Sea (University of Groningen, the Netherlands)
ESR 5: Simulation of Sustainable Pathways of the EU-28 Energy System (Europa-Universität Flensburg, Germany)
ESR 6: Integrated bio-refinery and – CCU Technologies for Aquatic and Terrestrial Biomass (Aalborg University, Denmark)
ESR 7: Offshore Advanced Renewable Energy Technologies – Learning Curves and Roadmaps (University of Groningen, the Netherlands)
ESR 8: Energy Efficient Production and Waste Heat Utilisation (University of Stavanger, Norway)
ESR 9: Development of a Real-time Optimization Solution for Dispatchable Energy Supply Units (University of Stavanger, Norway)
ESR 10: Energy Cultures and Agent Behaviour: Mapping the Drivers and Barriers to Acceptance (Aalborg University, Denmark)
ESR 11: Ownership Models, Participation, and Integrated Energy Systems. Between Large scale and Local Integration Fluctuating Renewable Energy Sources (Aalborg University, Denmark)
ESR 12: An Agent Based Approach to Model Investments in the Power Sector (Chalmers University, Sweden)
ESR 13: Market Design to Support Energy Transitions (University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom)
ESR 14: Policy Framework Interactions for Cross-border Cooperation in Energy System Transitions (University of Stavanger, Norway)
ESR 15: Transition Policies for Oil and Gas Incumbents (University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom).

More detailed information about ENSYSTRA can be found https://ensystra.eu/vacancies/

Applicants need to respect the following criteria:
- Early-stage researchers (ESR) are those who are, at the time of recruitment by the host, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers.
- Marie Curie Innovative Training Networks are a mobility scheme. Researchers are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection by the University of Groningen, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
- English language: ESRs must demonstrate excellent English language proficiency both orally and in writing to derive the full benefit from the network training.
- MSc degree in the natural sciences / engineering / environmental sciences. Preferably with training in modelling and energy systems analysis.

Fixed-term contract: 36 months.

Benefits and salary
The University of Groningen offers, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, a salary of € 2,222 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 2,840 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE), excluding a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and a 8.3% end-of-the-year bonus. In addition to individual scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from research collaboration within the ENSYSTRA network, extensive joint training opportunities, and collaboration with industry and other organizations from the energy sector.

University of Groningen ESR project 4 “Spatial Modelling for the North Sea Region”
The Faculty of Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen (RUG) consists of 95 members of staff and focuses on high quality teaching and research in the fields of spatial planning, economic and cultural geography and demography. The Faculty will hire a PhD researcher in the field of spatial modelling. This PhD researcher will be based full-time in the Department of Spatial Planning and Environment.

Description of the PhD research project:
The objective of this research is to execute a geographically explicit land use, land consumption, land reserves and transport analysis and to develop scenarios using a combination of simulation and static models for the North Sea region based on the best suitable data as well as on legislation and plans for future space use. The used analyses and models identify the suitability of areas for decentralised energy supply (wind power, electric charge stations, etc.), scenarios for and efficient transport network and economic potentials and implementation potentials for key energy technologies taking into account competing spatial claims.
Potential industrial partner for this research is WPD Windmanager, Germany.

Additional qualifications for this PhD research position:
- a Master in the wider field of spatial planning, spatial analysis, spatial modelling, urbanism, geography
- proven skills in the fields of in-depth spatial analysis, qualitative methods and energy-related themes linked to spatial planning.

Starting date: April 1, 2018.

How to apply
You may apply for this position until 7 January 23:59h / before 8 January 2018 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website). Please submit your application in English. Main supervisor: Prof. Claudia Yamu, claudia.yamu@rug.nl

Applicants are requested to send a CV and motivation letter for one or more positions. An application must contain proof of eligibility as an annex where relevant, including a)proof that you have no more experience than 4 years as a researcher, b) proof that you did not spend more than 12 months in the last 3 years in The Netherlands, and c) proof of English language proficiency.

By submitting an application, the candidate confirms agreement to share his/her application with the Selection Committee and the ENSYSTRA coordinator. Recruited PhD candidates are set to start their research in March/April 2018 at one of the universities in the consortium.

If interested in more than one position, we encourage candidates to apply for the multiple positions of interest. Multiple applications will not influence the selection chance in any particular project. Please mention on every application all ESR projects to which an application is submitted.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Faculty of Spatial Sciences

The ENSYSTRA consortium is now recruiting 15 outstanding PhD students (‘Early stage researchers (ESRs)’) for the interdisciplinary ENSYSTRA training network.

The ENSYSTRA training network
ENSYSTRA - the ENergy SYStems in TRAnsition Innovative Training Network is the unique interdisciplinary Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, funded by the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Commission, targeting solutions for integrated energy systems transition. The ENSYSTRA consortium consists of high profile universities, research institutions and companies located in the Netherlands, UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The European Commission formally granted the EU Horizon 2020 ENSYSTRA project with an exceptional score of over 96%.

ENSYSTRA will train 15 ESRs in all aspects of energy systems transition. PhD subjects range from energy systems modelling, scenario analysis, technology development, socio-technical cultures, participatory approaches, investment modelling, market design, and cross-border regulatory frameworks. All ESRs are part of the international ENSYSTRA training network and will benefit from targeted training in interdisciplinary energy systems transition through workshops, summer schools and subject specific courses.
Every ESR will work with one or more of the 23 ENSYSTRA partners from the energy sector. ESRs will be trained in the scientific, technical and business skills, and will become highly sought-after experts for front-runner businesses and other organisations that will shape the energy transition. ESRs will carry out research at a home university and intensively interact with other ESRs in ENSYSTRA through joint research and participation in workshops and summer schools.