At the Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) we aim to develop our research capacity on climate related financial risks and opportunities. We do this in close cooperation with the Pathways to Sustainability programme, the Law and Governance Departments, the Sustainable Finance Lab and its network of financial practitioners. U.S.E. therefore offers a vacancy for a Postdoctoral Researcher who will do research, set up new research programmes and educate students and practitioners on this important, emerging topic.

 

At U.S.E. we explicitly take a real-world perspective, with the aim to contribute to sustainable economic growth and human well-being. Such research has a strong multidisciplinary character: an understanding is required of both governance, legal and socio-political issues, as well as economic, technological and physical aspects. For this reason the Postdoc will be working with an advisory board consisting of academics from different relevant disciplines and practitioners of leading Dutch financial organisations.

 

The Postdoc will connect the broad and deep knowledge available within the university to assess how climate change or the energy transition can affect financial institutions. Climate change will put some assets at increased risk (‘physical risk’), whereas a swift and successful energy transition may secure such assets but can make others become ‘stranded assets’. Both extreme scenario’s, as well as many in between, may materialize. The Postdoc will focus on the following key questions:

• What are relevant scenario’s to look at?
• What leading indicators can inform what scenario is developing?
• What impact will these scenarios have on asset values?
• What methodologies can be used to quantify such uncertainties in a consistent way that can be used by the financial sector?

This research is firmly based in Corporate Finance and Financial Economics but will also cover and connect disciplines like Economics, Geography, Law, Public Administration, and Innovation Studies.

We are looking for an excellent and enthusiastic researcher who is able to combine academic and broader societal perspectives. Candidates should hold a PhD in Finance or Economics. Strong analytical skills and a background in real option theory are strongly recommended and experience with scenario building would be much appreciated. Being able and interested to (co-)operate in a multidisciplinary research group is an important selection criterion. An entrepreneurial spirit, excellent networking skills and the desire to develop programmes and attract funding are essential as are good communication skills and excellent command of spoken and written English. The researcher will spend 60 percent of his/her time on academic research, 20 percent on education and 20 percent on outreach to the financial sector, writing position (policy) papers and supporting the writing of new grant proposals. Experience in these fields are considered a plus.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for two to three years with an option to extend conditional on good performance. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,640 and €4,852 (scale 10/11 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 % per year. We offer a pension scheme, (partly paid) parental leave, collective insurance schemes and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information is available at: working at Utrecht University.

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 towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

 

The Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance is a Faculty at the heart of society, with a strong focus on social issues. Our subjects of Law, Economics and Governance give us a strong mix of academic disciplines that complement and enhance each other. This is a unique combination and a mark of our Faculty's strength.

The Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is part of the Law, Economics, and Governance Faculty of Utrecht University. U.S.E. promotes high quality economics research and teaching with a real-world perspective, requiring a multidisciplinary economics approach. In its research and teaching, U.S.E. crosses disciplinary borders by collaborating actively with the Faculties of Law, Geography and Social Sciences and by participating in the university’s broad research themes, particularly ''Institutions'' and ''Sustainability''. Click here for more information with respect to the U.S.E.

 

This Postdoc position is positioned in the Chair of Finance of the Utrecht University School of Economics, but U.S.E. is a relatively small Department and cooperation across Chairs, Departments and Faculties is encouraged. This position will be primarily supervised by dr. Mark Sanders, Associate Professor Economics of Sustainability and Transition. As indicated, an advisory board will be formed with both academics and practitioners.