PhD Candidate in Energy Transition with a Focus on Regional Planning for Energy Storage Systems for Islands

Do you want to work in energy transition, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a PhD position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Earth Sciences is Sweden's largest and most versatile institution of its kind with a unique breadth. The department currently has about 280 employees. Our activities are interdisciplinary and combine natural sciences and engineering with social sciences. We have research programs in air, water, and landscape science; geophysics; natural resources and sustainable development; mineralogy, petrology, and tectonics; paleobiology, and wind energy. By studying the history of the Earth, we understand how the planet has developed and how our pursuit of sustainable development can benefit from this knowledge. For more information: Department of Earth Sciences (https://www.uu.se/institution/geovetenskaper/)

The Wind Energy Unit at Campus Gotland conducts interdisciplinary activities in planning, design, and optimization of wind power as well as sustainable energy transition. The activities include teaching, research, and collaboration projects. The education consists of teaching on campus Gotland and distance learning at basic and advanced levels in wind power design and sustainable energy transition. In research, we have a solid breadth and collaborate both nationally and internationally. Today, the unit comprises about 25 people with technical, natural, and social science expertise. This position aims to strengthen the unit's development in research on sustainable energy transition.

The department is located at Campus Gotland, an international campus in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Visby. Read more on the department's website; Wind Energy (https://www.uu.se/institution/geovetenskaper/forskning/vindenergi)

Description of the Subject Area

Some geographically located islands currently face significant challenges with their energy supply. They are heavily dependent on the energy market on the mainland, while energy transfer is costly and inefficient. This affects energy security and increases energy costs. Additionally, several of the islands experience significant fluctuations in population between low and high seasons for the tourism industry. This results in a highly variable load on the energy system.

The energy transition of the islands is largely dependent on increasing the share of renewable energy sources (RES). Research has previously looked at how to appropriately integrate more renewable energy sources into existing electricity grids on islands, but not nearly as much has been done regarding how to connect suitable energy storage technologies/options to the emerging energy systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous systems found on these geographical islands or in other isolated areas.

Job Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will be part of a research group working on a project within integrated regional planning for energy storage systems for islands. The project's main focus is to look at systematic assessments and planning of suitable energy infrastructures. Part of this involves reviewing existing assets and structures regarding energy, economy, social aspects, and technology. This will include assessing RES storage potential, designing and sizing energy storage-based systems, and life cycle assessment regarding techno-economic aspects and environmental impact using MCDA as a method. The project will also focus on further developing programs/processes to provide a better understanding of energy use and how to create interest and engagement around managing the needs and demands of consumers.

In addition to working on research projects and PhD courses, you will participate in the unit's activities (max 20%) which may consist of teaching and/or administrative work. The position is located at Campus Gotland, Visby.

Qualifications

Eligible for doctoral education is someone who has:

• completed a master's degree in energy, finance, engineering, environmental science, or a related field, or
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or
• acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way.

You should also have relevant knowledge in applied mathematics.

Desirable/Meritorious

Relevant experience and knowledge of MCDA as a method for decision-making in energy transition processes is meritorious. We also welcome applicants with experience from academia or industry in energy planning and storage.

Regulations for doctoral candidates can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and in the university's rules and guidelines. Regulations (https://regler.uu.se/?languageId=3)

About the Position

The position is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date 2025-03-01 or by agreement. Location: Visby, Gotland.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Heracles Polatidis, E-mail: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), phone: (+46) 018-4718373.

Welcome with your application by January 28, 2025, UFV-PA 2024/4459.

About Campus Gotland

Uppsala University Campus Gotland offers the best of both worlds: the comprehensive university's wide range and strength in education and research, and a unique small-scale campus in an interdisciplinary research environment. Campus Gotland serves as a hub for the university's research and education in sustainability. More information (https://gotland.com/flytta-hit/bo-och-leva/)

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment during security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.