Postdoc Integrated heat-electricity solutions in Local Energy Communities

This research position is part of the Interreg NWE funded ACCU project, which aims to organise local integrations of local renewable electricity generation with (collective) heating solutions in Local Energy Communities (LECs). It aims to overcome technical (e.g. (seasonal) disbalances and grid congestion), regulatory, social (e.g. capabilities for initiating and organizing LECs involving various local stakeholders), and financial challenges (e.g. viability of business cases for novel socio-technical configurations).

As postdoc researcher, you will focus on social-organizational solutions. This involves, but is not limited to, citizen engagement, community building, local governance models, and exploring local needs, challenges, and opportunities in diverse community contexts in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. In addition, the research involves gathering insights from both academic and grey literature and from real-world experimentation beyond the ACCU project. Finally, you will actively engage with the LECs involved in the ACCU project, to contribute to implementing and monitoring socio-organizational solutions, as well as how they relate to other socio-technical solutions.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, curious and creative candidate with:

• PhD degree in sustainability transitions, innovation sciences, science and technology studies (STS), or equivalent. Please, mind: this is NOT an engineering project!
• Affinity with teaching and education innovation in higher education
• Knowledge of, experience with, and eagerness to engage with participatory, action oriented or transdisciplinary approaches to research, involving a wide variety of societal stakeholders involved in and with local energy communities.  
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills and proficiency in English, Dutch and French are pros.
• Strong methodological skills and proven experience with qualitative research methods.
• Enthusiasm, self-reliance, strong organizational skills, scientific mindedness.

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 4 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 3,378 max. € 5,331).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.