Postdoc Researcher "Energy Transition Economics and Governance"

Apply cutting-edge research and modeling to design the energy system of the future!

Job description
Delft University of Technology is hiring a postdoc in the field of energy system economics and governance. As the energy system is being decarbonized, it is becoming increasingly integrated and therefore also more complex. Your work will involve performing research, often model-based, and working with stakeholders in the energy system, to help determine how markets and regulation should develop to facilitate the energy transition. In addition, you will help with coordinating research projects and, to a smaller degree, with eduction and project acquisition.

The research focuses on improving the design and regulation of markets for heat, electricity and gas (natural gas as well as hydrogen), considering their mutual relations and increasing interdependency. Models, both optimisation and (agent-based) simulation, play a large role in the research. The objective of the research is to improve the quality of decision making in the energy sector, both with respect to investment decisions and regulation. Much of this research will be performed in the context of the projects MODES (Market Organization of the Dutch Energy System) and DEMOSES (Designing and Modeling Systems of Energy Systems).

An important task for you will be to help with the coordination between researchers and industrial partners in both of these projects, the coordination between these projects and with other, related projects. An important aspect is the communication with government and sector stakeholders regarding these projects.

You will work in the Energy and Industry Section of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management under the supervision of prof. dr. ir. Laurens de Vries, who is also the leader of the DEMOSES and MODES projects.

Requirements
You like to work in an international, multi-disciplinary environment on energy-transition relevant problems, have an open personality and good English language skills. You are able to communicate and collaborate well with international research partners, colleagues and students.

You have a Doctoral Degree in a field related to energy economics and/or energy system analysis. You enjoy performing research, but are also interested in developing your education, leadership and project acquisition skills. You are independent, self-motivated and eager to learn, and care about the societal impact of your work.l.j.devries@tudelft.nl

TU Delft (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
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

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

Conditions of employment

• The position is initally limited to 14 months with the possibility for a 34 months extension thereafter, pending the outcome of an ongoing grant application.
• A job of 30-40 hours per week.

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

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Laurens de Vries, via l.j.devries@tudelft.nl.

For information about the application procedure, please contact us here.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 March 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Prof. dr. ir. Laurens de Vries.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

30 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5