At the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, we are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious colleague to further strengthen our group with model-based analysis of technology options as part of system transitions for climate mitigation and adaptation. Meeting the Paris Climate Agreement requires limiting global warming to well below 2oC. To reach this goal, greenhouse gas emissions need to reach net zero-emission around the middle of the century. At the same time, human societies will also have to adapt to climate change. This will require substantial changes in all sectors of society, including mobility, energy systems, land use and agriculture and urban systems. A major component of these transitions will be substantial changes in energy production and use, especially by using renewables and energy efficiency measures. In our research team, we use model-based scenarios to explore these transitions. To improve the relevance of these scenarios, it is important to improve region- and technology-specific modelling of individual renewable and energy-use technologies (e.g. renewables, electric vehicles or hydrogen technologies), including aspects such as potentials, energy storage options, shifts between the provision of electricity, heat and transport, technological learning and cost reductions. With this new position, we aim to contribute to an improved understanding of the various transitions by combining insights from model-based scenarios and detailed technology assessments in the context of determining the feasibility of the transition such as institutional and environmental factors.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a background in global modelling, with a broad knowledge of renewable energy technologies, able to reconcile top-down modelling approach from the Integrated Assessment Modelling perspective with region-specific trends. The candidate is expected to be able to develop an internationally renowned research line at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. You will contribute to the acquisition and execution of externally funded projects, including the acquisition and supervision of PhD students. We will enable and coach you to apply for personal research grants.

The candidate will teach in the BSc programme Global Sustainability Science; in the MSc programmes Sustainable Development and Energy Sciences; and supervise bachelor's and master's theses. Teaching topics include energy and resources related courses. The teaching is in English. In the first two years, the teaching task will be 48%; after two years the teaching task will increase to 56%. We gladly receive applications from candidates who:

• have a PhD and profound knowledge of energy, environmental sciences or related fields;
• have experience with and an interest in academic teaching;
• have a network for the acquisition of externally funded projects;
• have a record of international peer-reviewed publications;
• can demonstrate English language proficiency at C1 level (CEFR or comparable to level 3 of the Lecturer Assessment Grid) or are prepared to obtain this level by training;
• are proficient in Dutch or prepared to acquire Dutch language skills.

We offer a position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) as an Assistant Professor for a probationary period of 18 months. Permanent employment will be offered based upon good performance, according to the Faculty’s performance indicators, after 18 months. The Faculty of Geosciences has an excellent merit-based career and promotion policy. As part thereof, career development up to Associate Professor (level 2) is possible without a so called ‘formation principle’, yet based on performance. The gross monthly starting salary – depending on qualifications and experience - ranges between €3,974 and €5,439 (scale 11 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities) for a full-time employment. 

Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition, you will have access to all equipment in our state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, coaching for teaching and supervision of researchers, and training and support regarding the acquisition of external funds. Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University. Facilities for childcare and sports are available on campus.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively on major societal themes. We focus on the Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organization. The Faculty of Geosciences is organized in four departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.