Global energy demand is rising, resulting in increased pressure on the energy system and the environment, requiring a shift towards sustainable energy systems. The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development within the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University is one of the prime academic institutes on energy systems analysis, with a strong international reputation. The institute wants to strengthen its capacity in the field of system analysis and now seeks to appoint a full Professor of Integration of Intermittent Renewable Energy. The Professor will focus on understanding the complex and systemic character of intermittent energy supply systems, its impact on the economy and natural environment and opportunities for changes into or curbing present developments towards (more) sustainable directions. The Professor will join the young, dynamic and productive research group Energy & Resources (E&R) which is one of four research groups within the Copernicus Institute.

The Professor is expected to shape research in the broad field of energy and resources, with a focus on the system integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. The Chair aims to further develop the already historically strong field of systems analysis in the E&R group by investigating decentralized energy systems on a (sub)urban scale. The Chair will take the lead in E&R research on intermittent renewable energy sources (IRES) integration using a multi-disciplinary approach.

In the design of smart grid systems market formation, entrepreneurial activities, end-user involvement, and knowledge development and diffusion are necessary for the transition to a sustainable energy system. The research of the Chair focuses on various aspects of multidisciplinary IRES-based system development: understanding and improving IRES opportunities and performance, assessment and management of energy supply and demand in smart grid environments, and new business, regulatory, and policy models to support IRES-based system development.

The key tasks of the Professor are in research (0.45), teaching (0.45) and management (0.1). While a significant contribution to teaching and management is expected, the distribution of tasks will vary with the needs of the Group and Institute and the opportunities/capabilities of the candidate.

The appointee requires the following qualifications:

• PhD in one of the natural sciences, engineering and/or environmental sciences;
• a proven track record in energy systems, which is demonstrated through publications in peer reviewed literature;
• international visibility and reputation in the field of energy science, and, more specifically, intermittent renewable energy systems;
• excellent communication skills and a team player, bringing out the best in other people and allowing efficient interaction with colleagues from other disciplines;
• content-related and management qualities required to be a research leader in the field of energy science and to engage in multi-disciplinary research projects;
• didactic qualities in order to be able to provide, develop and organize education in the fields indicated, and a clear vision on scientific education;
• an international network, evident from international scientific publications and participation in international consortia for scientific research;
• proven experience in successfully obtaining external research funds;
• proven ability to successfully supervise doctoral candidates to completion;
• interest in societal problems, including sustainability, and the ambition to engage in interactions related to these topics.

Utrecht University employs a system of quality assessment for teaching and research, with consequences for career development. This system implies that, in addition to having a PhD in a relevant field of research, an eligible candidate also possesses appropriate senior level academic teaching and research qualifications; the Faculty may use an assessment as an instrument in the selection procedure.

Utrecht University specifically encourages female candidates to apply.

The gross salary levels will be in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition we offer an excellent pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions. More information is available at: working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe. The university is rated as the best university in the Netherlands by the Shanghai Ranking of World Universities 2016, and ranked as the 22nd best European university and the 65th best university of the world. It is located in the centre of the Netherlands in the attractive and culturally vibrant city of Utrecht. The Utrecht region is among the economically most competitive regions in Europe, and a hub for science, innovation and education.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With 2,200 students (BSc and MSc) and 550 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Innovation, Environmental & Energy Sciences and Human Geography & Urban & Regional Planning.

The vacancy has been opened within the Department of Innovation, Environmental & Energy Sciences. The research of the department is organised in the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. The institute consists of four research groups (Environmental governance; Innovation Studies; Environmental Sciences; Energy and Resources). Utrecht University globally ranks 24th on the 2016 Shanghai ranking in the field of Energy Science & Engineering and 13th in the field of Environmental Science.