Postdoctoral Researcher on the Governance of the Future Energy Market

Shape the future of energy governance as a postdoctoral researcher

The transition to a climate-neutral energy system by 2050 demands a fundamental shift in market structures. What will the future energy market look like, and what governance is needed to navigate this transformation? The MODES project, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) as part of the National Science Agenda (NWA), seeks to answer these critical questions. We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to explore the governance of the evolving energy market. Your research will focus on the roles and responsibilities of government in shaping and supporting this transition. Are you passionate about energy policy, governance, and market transformation? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research that will help shape the future of sustainable energy? Then we invite you to apply and be part of this exciting journey!

Your position 
Are you passionate about the energy transition and eager to conduct research with real-world impact? Join the MODES project, an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary initiative led by a consortium of top Dutch research institutions in collaboration with key stakeholders, including governments, energy suppliers, grid operators, consumer organizations, and energy cooperatives.

At Tilburg University, we are leading a pivotal work package on the roles and responsibilities of government in shaping a new energy market. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will explore fundamental questions such as:

• What roles and responsibilities must governments assume in the evolving energy market?
• How can these roles and responsibilities be effectively structured and coordinated with other stakeholders?
• What market designs and regulatory frameworks enable adaptive and transformative governance and experimentation?

Through multi-method empirical research, you will play a key role in mapping governance challenges, designing innovative regulatory approaches, and developing frameworks for balancing public values and government interventions. Your research will provide crucial insights into energy grid expansion, the organization of the North Sea energy system, and the scaling of local energy sources like heat networks.

Key to the position is close collaboration with both fellow researchers and diverse societal partners and external stakeholders across different work packages, bridging the gap between academia and practice. This position is embedded within both the Department of Public Law and Governance at Tilburg Law School, where legal and governance scholars collaborate on innovations and transformations in public law and governance, and the University-Wide Academic Collaborative Center on Climate and Energy, which brings together various disciplines across the university as well as societal partners to contribute with theoretical knowledge and practical solutions to a socially just energy transition. Being part of such a large network of scholars and practitioners offers a unique opportunity to combine high-level cutting-edge academic research with tangible societal impact, helping to shape the governance of a sustainable energy future.

We understand that no candidate will meet every single requirement, and we don’t want lists to discourage talented applicants. If you’re excited about this position but don’t tick every box, we still encourage you to apply! In your application, tell us not only about the qualifications you bring but also about the areas you’re eager to develop further.

For this position, we are seeking a motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher who:

• Holds (or is close to completing) a PhD in Public Administration, Public Governance, Policy Sciences, Political Science, Economics, Management, Competition Law, Energy Law, Public Law, Sociology, Organization Studies, or a related field.
• Has expertise in the governance of energy markets, particularly the roles and responsibilities of government.
• Possesses strong qualitative research skills and data analytical abilities.
• Thrives in collaboration, seamlessly working with both academic peers and external partners.
• Communicates effectively, presenting ideas clearly and engaging with diverse audiences.
• Is fluent in Dutch and English.
• Is proactive, independent, and creative, with a vision for innovative research.
• Demonstrates leadership and self-awareness, critically reflecting on both the scientific and societal impact of their work.
• Wants to contribute to Tilburg University’s dynamic research community on climate and energy and help build an inspiring work environment.

Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment: 

• A position based on 0.8 - 1.0 fte (32-40 hours per week). 
• A salary of minimum € 4,537 and maximum €6,209 gross per month for full-time employment, based on UFO profile Researcher 3 and salary scale 11. Until obtaining your PhD, salary scale 10 will be applied. Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience. 
• This is a vacancy  for a temporary position in accordance with Article 2.3 paragraph 5 sub b CLA DU. You will be given a temporary contract for the duration of 24 months.
• Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. 
• Over 8 weeks of vacation leave. 
• The opportunity to work partly on campus and partly from home with a home office allowance of €2 per day.
• Reimbursement for sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport. 
• A monthly internet allowance of €25.
• An options model in which you exchange benefits for things such as additional leave, more pension, a bicycle or personal training at our Sports Center. 
• A moving allowance (subject to conditions). 
• Employees from abroad may be eligible for a tax-free allowance for extraterritorial expenses equal to 30% of taxable salary. 
• A pension with ABP; the largest Dutch pension fund.
• Training in personal development, career development, leadership, education, and research. Or a language course at our Language Center. 
• A work culture in which we embrace differences, everyone is welcome and given equal opportunities. 
• A vibrant campus in green surroundings that is easily accessible by public transport. 

For more information, see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities. 

Tilburg University is an academic, inclusive, and engaged community. Together with nearly 3,000 employees, we are committed to broad prosperity, sustainably, and inclusion. For current and future generations. We develop and share knowledge for the requirements of people and our society. This is how we contribute to solving complex social issues and help society move forward.

We educate our 19,500 students of 110 nationalities to become responsible leaders with knowledge, skills, and character. With our education and research for broad prosperity, we exceedingly focus on themes such as mental and preventive care, an inclusive labor market, the energy transition, and digitalization.

Department of Public Law & Governance
The Department of Public Law and Governance at Tilburg University is a unique department where law, public administration, and political science converge. Our department brings together experts from diverse fields – including International Law, European Law, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Environmental Law, Public Administration, Legal Philosophy, Political Science, Legal History, and Jurisprudence – to rethink governance in today’s globalized, multi-layered, and complex world. Part of the department is a multidisciplinary team of researchers and lecturers dedicated to studying political and governance developments and addressing pressing societal challenges, such as sustainability transformations and digitalization. By integrating cutting-edge research with real-world impact, the Department of Public Law and Governance is at the forefront of shaping the future of governance and public administration.

Academic Collaborative Center for Climate and Energy
At Tilburg University, researchers and practice partners join forces to drive impactful climate action and energy transition. Through cutting-edge research and real-world solutions, they contribute to a socially just and sustainable future. Since early 2023, the university-wide Academic Collaborative Center (ACC) for Climate & Energy has been the hub for this collaboration. Bringing together over 40 academic researchers from various disciplines and 12 key practice partners – ranging from government bodies to grid operators and consumer organizations – the ACC tackles critical challenges in market design and regulation, governance and participation, data and digitalization, and communication and behavior. By bridging science and practice, Tilburg University is shaping the future of sustainable energy with knowledge that makes a difference.

Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact Prof. dr. Martijn Groenleer (m.l.p.groenleer@tilburguniversity.edu), Professor of Public Governance within the Department of Public Law and Governance, Academic Lead for the Academic Collaborative Center for Climate and Energy, and MODES Work Package Leader.

We kindly invite you to apply before March 31, 2025; this can only be done through the online system. Address your cover letter to Prof. dr. Martijn Groenleer and include your CV, your top three (forthcoming) scientific publications, a professional publication written for a broader audience, and at least two references (including name, phone number and email address). 

The first selection interviews will take place in the week of April 7, 2025. 

The selection committee (tentatively) consists of: 

1. Prof. dr. Martijn Groenleer, chair of the selection committee
2. Dr. Eva Wolf, member of the selection committee
3. Dr. Wessel Ganzevoort, member of the selection committee

You will ideally start working for Tilburg University as soon as possible. 

This vacancy has been published simultaneously internally and externally. In case of equal suitability, our preference is for an internal candidate.