Postoc within modeling of sociotechnical systems, with focus on road transport

Job description

We are looking for a postdoc focusing on analysis and modeling of the transformation of socio-technical systems, and specifically how different electrification strategies (battery-electric, fuel cells, electric roads, battery swaps etc) can compete with and complement each other. Previous studies have made techno-economic analyses of how the technologies stand against each other, but to understand how the technologies complement and compete with each other in a scale-up, a broader system approach is needed. Such a system approach needs to include supply and demand for green electricity and other fuels, the link to the expansion of electricity grids, the rate of expansion of infrastructure, the rate of development of technical solutions, and the possibility of ramping up in the manufacture of vehicles and technical components. Questions include, for example: Which technology fits where? What factors have the greatest impact on scaling up? What policies are useful to guide scale-up?

The task is to create a simulation model that illustrates the transition and competition between technologies. The simulation model will then be used to explore different scenarios and the competition between different technologies.

You will also be an active part of a growing team of researchers focused on modeling and analyzing complex socio-technical systems, and are expected to collaborate effectively with colleagues and jointly develop ideas for projects and project applications.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH
• Access to network and resources at ITRL, Integrated Transport Research Lab, with a broad network within academia and industry.

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Experience in simulation or modelling, for example with System Dynamics, Agent-based Modelling, or other types of modelling.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, as it is used in daily work.
• It is relevant to the employment that you can demonstrate Research expertise. You should also have an awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.
• As a person, you work independently and have strong collaboration skills. Furthermore, you are motivated and have a willingness to experiment and explore new methods for combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Teaching abilities.
• Knowledge about socio-technical systems and in particular the transition of socio-technical systems.
• Knowledge within system modelling and/or analysis or similar.
• Experience from the transport and/or energy sector.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

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The position may include security-sensitive activities. To become authorized, you therefore need to pass a possible security check.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here

1. Anna Pernestål, pernestal@kth.se