PhD student in Natural Resources and Sustainable - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Ongoing research within the program Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (NRHU) includes modelling of energy systems, analysis of energy security and energy transitions, studies of ecosystem services, fishing and aquaculture, as well as environmental risk assessment and remediation of contaminated sites. NRHU also hosts a research node in Climate Change Leadership (CCL) and the associated Zennström Visiting Professorship. Within the Global Energy Systems group the world's energy systems are analysed from a multidisciplinary perspective. Geological research is intertwined with technical, economic, and social research to describe, understand and model how energy systems change over time and how they interact with economy, environment and society.

NRHU is also responsible for the Masters level education in sustainable development and several other courses in the use of natural resources, energy systems and their sustainable development. See http://www.geo.uu.se/research/natural-resources-sustainable-development and www.uu.se/ccl.

Project description:

Based in the Global Energy Systems group within NRHU, this PhD project will focus on improving understanding of fossil fuel production trends and their relation to future emissions and securing energy for future sustainable development. In the modern society, fossil fuels are integral parts of many industrial supply chains that relies on flows of primary energy and raw materials from extraction sites to manufacturing centres to produce consumer goods to be traded in the globalized economy. This direct and indirect transfer of energy and emissions via international trade results in system flows that span multiple economies across the globe with the need for international perspectives.

Firstly, this project will rely on upstream databases (both propriety and open) with reserves, production profiles and economical figures for all deposits, discoveries, and exploration licenses globally. Such data can be quantified and used to construct detailed bottom-up models for improved understanding of carbon intensities of fossil fuels, various lock-in effects, and geographical challenges to complement typical assumptions on fossil fuels as a homogenous fuel supply.

Secondly, the project will explore suitable top-down approaches based on global trade – such as multi-regional Input-Output (MRIO) analysis – that can be used to calculate embodied emissions in import and export flows of fossil fuels. Combining and comparing results from both top-down and bottom-up approaches will be done to better illuminate carbon intensities, reduction potentials, emission patterns, dependencies, and transition options.

Finally, transnational flows of fossil energy can also be understood from two perspectives. The direct flows are related to security of resource supply and associated dependencies, and the other is the indirect flows that reflect global economic linkages. The project aims to simultaneously consider long-term perspectives on resource availability and distribution in conjunction with short-term effects of supply owing to geopolitical and socioeconomic factors. This allows for a holistic foundation capable of refining decision making in support of climate strategy, sustainable development goals, and improved energy security. The combined methods allow us to clearly and systematically reveal complex relations and integrate them with supply security concerns to identify best available transitions paths for rapid decarbonisation scenarios.

Requirements:

The candidate should have an MSc degree in Energy System Engineering or equivalent, as well as possessing a strong interest for interdisciplinary and applied research. Practical experience in systems analysis, mathematical modelling and data management are vital. Experience with carbon accounting, input-output analysis and macroeconomic trade flows are additional merits. Personal qualities, such as dedication and motivation are valuable. Very good written and spoken English skills are required. Swedish language skills are also an advantage.

Employment:

The PhD position is full-time for four years and can include up to 20% of teaching and administrative work which extends the employment period with a corresponding period.

The candidate is expected to actively contribute and assist with teaching in courses such as Energy Security in Local and Global Energy Systems (1GV334), Energy Knowledge (1GV310) and the Global Energy System (1GV331) and potentially other courses depending on relevance and personal interest.

How to apply:

The application should include a letter of intent that explains research interests, interests in the announced PhD project and what skills the applicant can contribute with to the project. The application should also include a CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records, a copy of the master thesis, contacts to references, and additional documents of relevance.

Uppsala University aims for gender balance and diversity in all activities to achieve a higher quality at all levels of the organization. We, therefore, welcome applicants of any gender and with different birth background, functionality, and life experience.

Salary: According to local agreement (Lokalt kollektivavtal för doktorander och amanuenser).

Starting date: 2020-02-01 (or as otherwise agreed), temporary position ending 2024-01-31.

Working hours: 100%

Placement: Uppsala, Department of earth sciences, Uppsala University

For further information about the position, contact:

Associate Professor Mikael Höök, +46(0)18 471 6885, e-mail: Mikael.Hook@geo.uu.se

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 23 December 2019, UFV-PA 2019/4348.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.