Postdoc researcher in Renewable energy communities and power dynamics
Postdoc researcher in Renewable energy communities and power dynamics
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Job description
COME-RES project
The postdoc position will be part of the COME-RES project, a new Coordination and Support action funded by the EU H2020 programme for 2,5 years (Sept. 2020 - Feb. 2023). COME-RES aims to facilitate the uptake of renewable energy sources in the electricity sector by supporting, with a set of specific activities, the implementation of the provisions for renewable energy communities (RECs) as defined in the new Renewable Energy Directive. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, COME-RES analyses legal, socio-economic, spatial and environmental drivers potentially explaining the rate of deployment of RECs in selected target regions in nine European countries (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain). It covers different socio-technological systems including community PV, wind (onshore), storage and integrated solutions. Policy lessons with validity across Europe will be drawn and recommendations proposed. Over 85 stakeholders and market actors have provided letters of support expressing their commitment to support the project and implement its results.
The Postdoc position
We are looking for a candidate who is able to contribute to the implementation of the general managerial tasks of COME-RES in the Netherlands, as well as to develop a research project in support of the overall project goals.
The focus of the research project should be on the conceptual level of theorizing power dynamics in the interplay between renewable energy communities and the existing organisation of the system of electricity provision. Particularly relevant here is the theory of 'governmentality' (Foucault), an approach to social control that operates not through direct state sanction but through the indirect shaping of 'free' social practices. The research should contribute to the careful analysis of the 'economies of power' involved in the various agendas for upscaling RECs as an integral component of the energy system of the future to understand in what sense the upscaling dynamic can be said to be 'empowering'.
A central managerial task is to set up stakeholder desks consisting of committed community, market and policy actors in the Netherlands. In collaboration with these stakeholder desks and the COME-RES consortium partners, specific tasks will be carried out such as i) analyzing the potentials, barriers and drivers for RECs in specific target regions, ii) organizing stakeholder dialogues, iii) developing regional action plans and business-model proposals for target regions, iv) examining good/best practice cases that are transferable to specific local, regional and national contexts, v) initiating transfers of best practice solutions via policy labs supported by capacity development and training and vi) developing a renewable energy community platform.
The postdoc position will be part of the COME-RES project, a new Coordination and Support action funded by the EU H2020 programme for 2,5 years (Sept. 2020 - Feb. 2023). COME-RES aims to facilitate the uptake of renewable energy sources in the electricity sector by supporting, with a set of specific activities, the implementation of the provisions for renewable energy communities (RECs) as defined in the new Renewable Energy Directive. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, COME-RES analyses legal, socio-economic, spatial and environmental drivers potentially explaining the rate of deployment of RECs in selected target regions in nine European countries (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain). It covers different socio-technological systems including community PV, wind (onshore), storage and integrated solutions. Policy lessons with validity across Europe will be drawn and recommendations proposed. Over 85 stakeholders and market actors have provided letters of support expressing their commitment to support the project and implement its results.
The Postdoc position
We are looking for a candidate who is able to contribute to the implementation of the general managerial tasks of COME-RES in the Netherlands, as well as to develop a research project in support of the overall project goals.
The focus of the research project should be on the conceptual level of theorizing power dynamics in the interplay between renewable energy communities and the existing organisation of the system of electricity provision. Particularly relevant here is the theory of 'governmentality' (Foucault), an approach to social control that operates not through direct state sanction but through the indirect shaping of 'free' social practices. The research should contribute to the careful analysis of the 'economies of power' involved in the various agendas for upscaling RECs as an integral component of the energy system of the future to understand in what sense the upscaling dynamic can be said to be 'empowering'.
A central managerial task is to set up stakeholder desks consisting of committed community, market and policy actors in the Netherlands. In collaboration with these stakeholder desks and the COME-RES consortium partners, specific tasks will be carried out such as i) analyzing the potentials, barriers and drivers for RECs in specific target regions, ii) organizing stakeholder dialogues, iii) developing regional action plans and business-model proposals for target regions, iv) examining good/best practice cases that are transferable to specific local, regional and national contexts, v) initiating transfers of best practice solutions via policy labs supported by capacity development and training and vi) developing a renewable energy community platform.
Specifications
- max. 38 hours per week
- Eindhoven View on Google Maps
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Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Requirements
- PhD in philosophy of technology or applied ethics; candidates with other relevant background (e.g. STS, transition studies, policy sciences) are also welcome to apply, provided their interests and abilities match the strong conceptual focus of the project.
- Proven ability to conduct high-quality academic research, demonstrated by relevant publication(s).
- Excellent mastering of Dutch and English language, good communication skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.
- Ability to work in a research team, in a dynamic, interdisciplinary context.
- Proven ability in managerial tasks, especially involving non-academic stakeholders, is an advantage.
Conditions of employment
- A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
- A 1,0 fte employment for 2 to 2,5 years.
- You will have free access to high-quality training programs for research and valorization, and didactical courses of the TEACH training program.
- A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
- Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.
