Are you eager to understand transition pathways of electrification of shipping? Are you interesting in impact and circularity assessment, and combining this with a responsible research and innovation approach? We are looking for a multidisciplinary researcher for our program on Maritime Batteries, funded by NWO KIC program 'Zero-emission and circular shipping'.

Job description

Concerns regarding global warming and local air pollution put pressure on the maritime sector. The maritime sector needs batteries for the transition to zero-emission shipping, but put different demands on these batteries compared to mobility on wheels. Also, different ships with different operational profiles may require different batteries. In this research we explore existing and novel batteries, their application on ships, and their impact and circularity. The 'Maritime Batteries' program brings together research groups of all three Technical Universities in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Defence Academy, and several partners from batteries and shipping industries.

TU/e is leader of the work package on exploration and assessment of different battery-circular pathways. It will involve (1) the assessment of environmental impact of batteries in maritime application by Life Cycle Assessment; (2) exploring circular pathways of batteries and their impact; (3) exploring transition pathways, like future scenarios, and different stakeholder roles in this process - and how these link to the assessments.

Your contribution

As a successful applicant, you will perform the research project outlined above as part of a small team at TU/e, and also collaborate with our fellow researchers and industrial partners in the Maritime Batteries consortium. The research will be concluded with a PhD thesis. A modest teaching load will be part of the job.

The PhD candidate will team up with researchers in the Technology, Innovation & Society (TIS) group of the IE&IS department at TU/e (https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/innovation-sciences/technology-innovation-society/).

• You have a Master's degree in Innovation Science, Transition Studies, Industrial Ecology, Technology Assessment, Responsible Research and Innovation, or a related discipline.
• You have a strong affinity with interdisciplinary research and mixed-methods approaches
• You are interested in collaborating with key stakeholders in the field and research partners in the maritime sector in the Netherlands.
• You have affinity with Life Cycle Assessments, Circularity, Responsible Research and Innovation, and Transition Pathways
• You like to take initiative and you are able to work on a challenging topic that has both basic and applied research aspects.
• Your proficiency in English is excellent (C1 level) and a working knowledge of Dutch is preferred.
• Anticipated starting date is January-April 2023

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.