We are looking for a Postdoc to do research on the behavioural implications of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology for car drivers. You will be part of the ROBUST project, which investigates how the electricity grid can be made more flexible and efficient, amongst others by using electric vehicles (EVs) to store electricity (e.g. produced by PV panels) for later use, when electricity is delivered back to the grid. This implies that the travel behaviour and energy management aspects of EVs become intertwined, giving rise to new behavioural questions. These concern how drivers use EVs differently than conventional cars, and how this impacts the grid storage and delivery capacity. In addition, insight is needed into how EV owners’ charging and decharging behaviour can be influenced such as to optimize the grid, on what this implies for usage decisions. 
You will do empirical research into these issues, using questionnaires and field lab observations. You will collaborate with psychologists from Utrecht University regarding the behavioural research, and with technical experts of Utrecht University, Delft University and Hogeschool Utrecht about interactions between behavioural issues and the technical functioning of the
grid.

• You have a PhD in travel behaviour research.
• You are an ambitious and innovative researcher, who functions well in our team of transport researchers.
• You have an excellent track record in empirical research and publication in top journals.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for 9 months in an international working environment. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,846 and €4,490 (scale 10 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information can be found on 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's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.
The Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning has its focus on the enhancement of the long-term economic development of cities, how to cope with social inequalities, and how to accelerate sustainability transitions of cities and infrastructures. Research on these topics takes place within our research programme “Urban Futures: Transitions Towards Economic and Social Sustainability for Cities.”

Our research programme is the basis for our Research Master's Human Geography and Geographical Information Management and Applications and Professional Master's in Spatial Planning, Human Geography and International Development Studies. The department also runs a large and highly appreciated Bachelor's programme and is part of the Netherlands Graduate School of Urban and Regional Research for PhD candidates. Unique characteristics of the department are a special team focusing on
innovations within teaching methods, its strong involvement in the transdisciplinary sustainability research theme and professional consultancy for public partners.