Digital technologies are often exhibited as greener alternatives to physical delivery chains. However, while the ’cloud’ sounds immaterial, the need for hardware and energy is very real. You will investigate the environmental consequences of digitalisation and how these can be reduced by companies and consumers.

As a PhD candidate you will work on the development of an operational framework to assess the environmental footprint of information and communication technologies (ICT) from a producer and consumer perspective. The research will quantify the ICT sector’s environmental footprint in both the Netherlands and Europe and the changes therein.

The environmental footprint caused by the use of ICT by individual companies and consumers will also be quantified. One of the possibilities is a hybrid approach between LCA analysis and Input Output modelling to include the impact of digital infrastructures on environmental impacts along the full supply chain. Subsequent economic modelling aims to evaluate the impact of policy interventions or other system changes that aim to reduce the environmental footprint of ICT services by companies and consumers.

Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

• You hold an MSc in the natural or technical sciences with a clear affinity towards environmental topics.
• Experience in environmental modelling such as life cycle assessment or input-output modelling is required.
• Important selection criteria are: analytical modelling skills, team player attitude, strong motivation, and communication skills (especially a good command of written English).

Fixed-term contract: You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 3.5 years (5 year contract).

• It concerns an employment for 0.8 (5 year contract) - 1.0 FTE (4 year contract).
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,770 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,539 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The main focus of the Environmental Science group within the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences is on quantifying, understanding and predicting human impacts on the environment, to provide high-quality scientific knowledge that can help the world move towards greater sustainability. To this end, we employ a variety of modelling methods to explore and develop wide-ranging sustainable solutions for the environmental challenges the world faces today.

This PhD position will involve close collaboration with the Circularity and Sustainability Impact group and the Strategic Business Analysis group at TNO, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research. TNO aims to ensure that the knowledge it develops, integrates and applies has real social and economic impact.



Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.
 
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