Postdoctoral position in Energy Systems focused on Nuclear Power’s role in secure energy supply

Postdoctoral position in Energy Systems focused on Nuclear Power’s role in secure energy supply

Would you like to work on issues related to energy, sustainability, and the future role of nuclear power in the energy system, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that prioritizes sustainable employee engagement and offers secure and advantageous working conditions? Welcome 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.

At the Department of Earth Sciences, the research program on Natural Resources and Sustainable Development NRHU investigates various aspects of sustainable development. One focus area "Energy, Resources, and Society" addresses socially relevant and interdisciplinary challenges concerning the sustainable use of energy and natural resources and their interaction with social systems. Our goal is to enhance knowledge about how we can sustainably use our natural resources.

Nuclear power has long been a significant part of Sweden's fossil-free electricity production. With aging reactors and an expected increase in electricity demand, an expansion of nuclear power is now being considered in Sweden. Other countries are also developing new plans for nuclear energy. Simultaneously, global energy landscapes have been reshaped by unexpected events and geopolitical shifts, while climate and sustainability goals must still be achieved on time. Amid energy crises, high inflation, and a deteriorating security situation, previously established plans, assumptions, and conditions are being challenged. It is, therefore, high time to analyze the role of nuclear power in a future energy-secure and fossil-free society under various potential future conditions. This position is part of a larger research project aimed at exploring these questions.

Duties
The position is part of the project “The Potential of Nuclear Power to Contribute to a Sustainable and Robust Energy System” funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. The position involves research within two of the project's work packages (WP).

WP1: Future Scenarios for Nuclear Power. This work package aims to compile and evaluate transition scenarios for Sweden's energy system from various stakeholders. The work also includes developing frameworks for scenario analysis and planning, as well as policy recommendations to address potential goal conflicts regarding nuclear power.

WP2: Geopolitical Risks and Resilience. This work package examines the geopolitical risks of nuclear power in the context of the evolving security landscape, the global energy crisis, and the growing urgency for decisive climate action. The research focuses on identifying geopolitical risks and strategies to manage them, with particular attention to the roles of Russia and China in the nuclear energy market. Implications for aspects such as profitability and construction speed will also be analyzed.

Teaching may be included in the responsibilities, but it will not exceed 20% of the working hours. This could involve teaching in courses such as Energy Security in Local and Global Energy Systems (1GV334), Sustainable Energy Technology (1GV214), or other related energy courses.

Requirements
PhD degree in energy systems, energy technology, energy economics, or energy-oriented social sciences, or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in a relevant field described above. 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.

Applicants must have solid experience with relevant analytical methods for energy systems and supply chains, particularly concerning sustainability and energy security. The evaluation of applications will focus primarily on the candidate's ability to conduct independent research based on scientific excellence. Greater emphasis will be placed on the quality of individual scientific work than on the quantity of publications.

Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English are required, and the ability to communicate in Swedish is considered an advantage. Personal qualities such as commitment and independence are also highly valued. Attention will be given to strong collaborative skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant's experience and expertise are assessed to complement and strengthen the ongoing research at the department and contribute to its future development.

Additional qualifications
Previous experience in interdisciplinary research is desirable. Experience with scenario analysis or energy security is considered an advantage. Experience collaborating with the nuclear power sector is also advantageous. The ability to communicate or teach in Swedish is a merit.

Application
The application must include a personal letter with a relevant CV, a concise research plan describing how the applicant intends to contribute to the project's goals and work packages, a list of relevant publications, a digital copy of the doctoral thesis, copies of relevant certificates and diplomas, recommendation letters and/or contact information for 2-3 references

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 1 march 2025 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Mikael Höök, 073-0208116, Mikael.Hook@geo.uu.se

Please submit your application by 13 January 2025, UFV-PA 2024/4366.

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