Sustainability is one of the four themes of research and education at Utrecht University and the Faculty of Geosciences. Within this focus area, the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development investigates and develops processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. The concept of sustainable development refers to a development of society that is balanced between the needs of economic development, environmental quality and social equity. The ever-growing energy and resource demand of society puts enormous pressure on our natural resources, renewable and non-renewable. Society faces a challenge to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the impact of climatic change. The use of fossil fuels is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions and still the main source of energy powering human society. Hence, the challenge to transform the energy system is central to the broader aspiration of sustainable development. Within the Copernicus Institute, the Energy & Resources (E&R) group of about sixty staff and researchers supports the transition to a sustainable energy and resource system. The E&R Group has an established long-term high quality track record, and has grown to a large internationally oriented group over the past 25 years. It has pioneered various areas and operates internationally, collaborating with many international leading groups and institutes.

The group is looking to hire two Assistant or Associate Professors (depending on experience and qualifications) in the Energy and Resources group to support the group in developing its multi-disciplinary research capacity on energy systems evaluation and teaching capacity:

• Position 1: Energy in the Built Environment
• Position 2: Energy & Resource Systems Analysis

 

In collaboration with the E&R staff, the candidate will further develop the existing portfolio of research in energy systems analysis, with an emphasis on modelling and energy and resource technology (including technology assessment, life cycle analysis, technology modelling).

 

The candidate will be responsible for managing, developing, and teaching courses for bachelor and master programs in the Graduate School of Geosciences in the area of (advanced) energy analysis.

 

The appointee will be expected to split her/his time equally between research and teaching next to a small (approx. 5%) contribution to (departmental) management tasks.

The candidate holds a PhD and preferably has a background in energy sciences or another relevant field. Strong (proven) knowledge and experience in teaching is essential. The candidate has a strong track record in energy in the built environment and smart grids (position 1), and energy systems analysis (position 2). This should be demonstrated through publications in peer reviewed literature, and an internationally acknowledged position in this area. The candidate is able to acquire research funding from a variety of sources, which is demonstrated by her/his track record.

Candidates who wish to apply for the position of Associate Professor must also have the following qualifications:

• experience in development, management and teaching of education programmes and courses, demonstrated by a 'Senior university teaching qualification' or equivalent;
• experience in supervision of PhD students (or junior research staff) until completion of the PhD;
• demonstrable experience in management.

In the job application, next to a full CV, the candidate is requested to provide a short essay with his/her personal vision on research and education in the field of energy and resources.

We offer two full-time tenure track positions that start with an initial period of two years, with an intended extension of either another two years or a conversion to a permanent position, depending on performance evaluation.

Depending on the experience of the candidate, an assistant or an associate professor position may be offered. Employment conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. Based on the experience and qualifications of the candidate, the gross monthly starting salary is between € 3,475 and € 4,757 (salary scale 11) for an assistant professor or € 4,815 and € 5,861 for an associate professor (salary scale 13) (both on a fulltime basis). The salary is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

We offer a pension scheme, collective insurance schemes and flexible employment conditions. Read more information about working at Utrecht University here.

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 globally ranks 24th on the 2016 Shanghai ranking in the field of Energy Science & Engineering and 13th in the field of Environmental Science.

The Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2,600 students (BSc and MSc) and 600 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organization. The Faculty is organized in four Departments: Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, and Human Geography and Urban and 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 and Energy and Resources.

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is responsible for education and research on relations between human society and the environment, environmental policy and its influence on sustainable development and the management of innovation.