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 here: 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.

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. Depending on your personal situation, a family allowance may apply. 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 1 “Modelling of North Sea Energy System”
At the University of Groningen we offer the project “Modelling of North Sea Energy System”. The objective of this project is to develop a scenario model and a dynamic model of the North Sea electricity production system. These are used to determine flexibility and storage requirements and to elucidate path-dependency in its long-term development towards carbon-neutrality as a function of demand and technology supply. Scenario drivers will include deep energy efficiency improvement in built environment, industry and transport and their impact on energy demand patterns, space availability, new and improved energy technology such as CCS and large scale renewables.

Expected results of the project are
1) A compilation of a range of quantified and parameterized development scenarios driving the North Sea region energy system. Building from authoritative scenarios, this will be done in an iterative process with key stakeholders and selected consortium partners.
2) High-level top-down scenario model and bottom-up dynamic model for North Sea region energy system capturing relevant complexities. Based on existing energy modelling infrastructure and partly based on results and insights from the other ESR projects.
3) Simulation exercises with the models exploring energy system development under varying conditions (scenarios) with regard to energy demand, new or improved energy technology and large-scale renewables. Determination of flexibility and storage requirements if not limitations. Modelling exercises delivering spatial-temporal explicit output on the deployment of key renewable energy technologies, spatial-temporal explicit output with respect to the required roll-out of new energy infrastructure (e.g. electricity, various gases (methane, hydrogen, CO2), heat and flexibility and storage options.
4) Extensive scenario, sensitivity & uncertainty analysis to support formulation of clear & robust policy recommendations.

Planned secondments are to Scottish Power Energy Networks (Scotland), the Swedish Energy Agency and to Chalmers University (Sweden).
Main supervisor: Prof. André Faaij, a.p.c.faaij@rug.nl

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).

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 Science and Engineering

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.