Energy System Integration (ESI) takes a holistic view of the electricity and heat sectors to deliver a sustainable, reliable and affordable energy system. It addresses integration issues of energy systems on several scales, such as the infrastructures needed for production, transport and storage of energy, identifying desired transition paths, cross-sectoral cooperation etc. A combination of mitigation technologies such as carbon capture utilization, demand-side measures, energy efficiency improvements, electrification of heat and transport, production and use of (green) hydrogen as feedstock and/or fuel, and other innovations could together bring emissions much closer to net zero. In addition to these technical parts, an integrated system also comprises social and institutional dimensions that interact with each other.

The analysis and shaping of the energy system over time and its interaction with other systems (e.g, the industry, transportation system) and their impact on the environment, the wider economy and society, is core to the domain of this new full professor position. One of the main pillars in the proposed research area focuses on the role of hydrogen in the transition towards a sustainable and low-carbon society.

The research will analyse interrelations between technology, business models and policy in an uncertain environment. The objective is to support policy makers and industrial actors with adopting low-carbon technologies while maintaining competitiveness. While ESI entails physical exchanges of energy within and between energy systems, data and information exchanges are needed to make the integration possible. ICT and energy digitalisation are core components of ESI, creating challenges with respect to incentive design, data transparency rules and clear third-party access policies. In addition, market design and regulation shape the actors’ behaviour. Therefore, the research focuses on the interrelations between the physical energy value chain, the ICT and data systems and the markets and the economic regulation of the system. Methodologically, the focus is on integrated system modelling.

The full-professor position is positioned within the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), department of Engineering Systems and Services (ESS), and more specifically in the Energy and Industry group where research on energy systems integration, energy systems transition, and smart-grids takes place. The department hosts, next to these energy system experts, mobility (passenger as well as freight) and ICT experts (data platforms, distributed systems, IT architectures), as well as choice modelling and decision making scholars; this combination of expertises guarantees that the cross-sectoral and socio-technical characteristics of the energy system integration are effectively addressed, involving e.g. providing carbon-neutral fuels, defosilization of industry, electric mobility and the shift to a circular economy. 

The successful candidate has an inspiring personality and can act as a driver for energy system integration in the Netherlands and beyond. Leveraging communication and networking skills, she/he will connect with colleagues and partners within and outside TU Delft to boost renewable energy and cooperate on green technology and innovation. 

Further, the candidate:

• holds a PhD degree in a relevant field of engineering science, such as (complex) systems engineering, energy (mechanical) engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering or physics/applied mathematics;
• has a proven track record as an independent, productive and esteemed researcher of high integrity;
• has proven research experience and/or demonstrable affinity with integrated socio-technical systems approaches to energy systems and its modelling;
• has proven experience in acquiring research funding;
• has a cooperative research attitude and a firm track record in multidisciplinary research;
• has demonstrable experience in initiating, leading and managing research programs;
• is a strong communicator, able to communicate research results to the professional community as well as to the general public;
• is a good teacher who inspires students and professionals alike, and has experience in supervising PhD research projects.

If you feel this function would be a perfect match, but you cannot tick some boxes yet, please react too. 

Fixed-term contract: 18 maanden.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.
Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security.

We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.