Postdoctoral position in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development

Are you interested in working in the research project "Harvesting Energy from Natural and Anthropogenic Vibrations"., with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University is Sweden´s largest and most versatile department of its kind with approximately 280 employees. Our activities are interdisciplinary and combine natural science and technology with social science. We have research programs in air, water and landscape science; geophysics; natural resources and sustainable development; petrology, mineralogy and tectonics; paleobiology, and wind energy. By investigating the history of Earth, we understand how our planet has developed over time and how sustainable development benefits from this knowledge. For more information: The Department of Earth Sciences

The research program “Natural Resources and Sustainable Development” NRHU explores various aspects of sustainable development. We base our work on the understanding that the Earth"s natural resources and ecosystem services are the foundation of our society and economy. One of our main themes is "Energy, Resources, and Society," where we focus on interdisciplinary challenges related to the sustainable use of energy and natural resources. By employing both natural science and social science methods, we analyze the interaction between energy systems, resource use, and modern society. Our research questions include challenges and aspects related to energy transitions, climate governance and the acceleration of climate action, the creation of sustainable cities and infrastructure, as well as the consequences of climate change and environmental impact.

Duties
This postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an innovative research project, "Harvesting Energy from Natural and Anthropogenic Vibrations". The project aims to explore the potential of generating green energy from seismic vibrations originating from both natural phenomena like earthquakes and anthropogenic activities such as mining. As part of an interdisciplinary team spanning Norway, Chile, and Sweden, the postdoctor will undertake a socio-economic assessment of this technology and its social implementation within local communities in Chile. Travels will be a part of the employment.

Key duties include:

• Exploring how social, economic, and technical factors may potentially influence the production, distribution, and consumption of energy from seismic vibrations.
  
  
• Engaging with local communities in Chile, aiming to understand their visions, perspectives, and concerns regarding the introduction and development of the technology.
  
  
• Collaborating with engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, and other specialists within the project team.
  
  
• Participating in project meetings and contributing to interdisciplinary research outputs. 

Requirements
PhD degree in one of the following fields: political ecology, human geography, Science and technology studies (STS), anthropology, sustainable development, or a closely related discipline, or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in above mentioned fields. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

The successful applicant must have proven experience in employing qualitative research methodologies, including textual analysis, conducting interviews, fieldwork and observations, stakeholder mapping, and utilizing ethnographic techniques. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is a requirement for this role. 

Additional qualifications
Experience in interdisciplinary research and multicultural team environment. Strong communication skills and proficiency in Spanish are highly desirable for facilitating community engagement in Chile. Experience in research on socio-technical aspects of energy systems and technologies, socio-political dimensions of resource extractivism, and the exploration of future energy visions and imaginaries or related areas.  

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 15 June 2024, or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Magdalena Kuchler, magdalena.kuchler@geo.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 14 May 2024, UFV-PA 2024/1315.

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