PhD position ‘Socio-technical futures of novel integrated solar PV technologies’

Solar PV technologies are a quickly growing element in the transition towards renewables-based energy systems. This includes not only the expansion of existing PV technologies and applications, but also the exploration of new types of PV and ways to integrate them in novel ways into buildings, vehicles or infrastructure.

As a PhD candidate you will study ongoing developments and future visions for novel PV applications from a socio-technical perspective with a view on the following questions: What are possible advantages and drawbacks, not only in terms of expected yield, efficiency, spatial requirements, but also flexibility to adjust to future developments and changing conditions, and with regard to fit and accessibility for different user groups and energy justice? How do citizens perceive novel PV applications, be it in their role as customers or as citizens exposed to an increasing and varied presence of solar technologies in their environment? And how will developments in the context (e.g. building, mobility, energy sector, policy and geopolitical developments) enable and constrain new solar PV applications and mediate their actual impacts?

The position is embedded in the national research and innovation programme SolarlabNL. The programme develops innovative ways to integrate solar PV into the built environment, vehicles, and infrastructure, and develops highly efficient and light-weight flexible solar cells. This is done in collaboration with Dutch companies that specialize in producing solar PV modules for non-standard applications. Thus, you will find an excellent environment to conduct societally relevant research in close contact with practitioners!

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to join our group. Our new colleague has the following profile:

• You hold (or are close to completing) a master degree in or including Science and Technology Studies, Sustainability Transitions, Innovation Studies, Futures Studies or another relevant field;
• You have gained experience in qualitative research methods, such as semi-structured interviews or focus groups; experience with design methods is a plus;
• Knowledge in the energy sector is an asset;
• You are comfortable with engaging with project partners and citizens, and organizing workshops;
• You are an excellent team-player and excited about working with scientists and practitioners from different backgrounds;
• You are highly motivated to contribute to academic and societal challenges;
• You are proficient in English, preferable also in Dutch
• We expect good skills in managing your time and your research activities.

We offer a 4-year, full time research position with a qualifier in the first 6-9 months on a highly relevant topic, in a dynamic and international environment. The University of Twente (UT) offers excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, dedicated PhD training and a green and lively campus with lots of sports facilities and an international scientific community!

• Salary ranging from € 2901,- gross at the start to € 3707,- gross in the 4th year.
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a bonus of 8.3%.
• You will receive good secondary conditions, in accordance with the collective labour agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.
• We will make a training program with a plan for additional suitable education and personal development training.
• You will be enrolled in the Twente Graduate School and there is the possibility to join the Netherlands Graduate Research School of Science, Technology and Modern Culture (WTMC).

We deliver world-class interdisciplinary research, intensive education and high-impact practical interventions and consultation. We assess technological innovation, higher education policies and socio technical change, studying the past and anticipating the future. We work towards better governance of knowledge and innovation, addressing major societal challenges together with the players in the field.

You will join the Knowledge, Transformation & Society (KITES) section within the Technology, Policy & Society department. KiTeS is dedicated to analysing and improving the contribution of Knowledge to Transformations in Society to address intersecting societal and environmental challenges, including growing disparities and inequities, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Our group works across diverse disciplines and scholarly fields and draws on critical, historical, participatory, design-oriented, and arts-based methods and approaches. We work in different domains such as science and innovation policy, higher education, and environmental governance and we collaborate closely with policy makers, social movements and grassroots organisations, cultural institutions, scientists and engineers, and business and financial institutions. Guided by values of justice, pluralism, sustainability, and care, our work is aimed at creating spaces for collaboration, critical analysis, reflection, and learning.

Please apply before March 26,2025. The application should include:

• A motivation letter;
• A detailed CV, summarizing your education, previous work experience and contact details of at least 2 referees;
• Academic transcripts of all courses attended and grades acquired during your master and bachelor education.

For more information about this function, please contact dr. K.E. Konrad, email: k.e.konrad@utwente.nl, phone: +31 53 489 3906.

You can apply via the button below.