UNIVERSITY OF SOCIETAL IMPACT
The University of Twente is strong in creating societal impact of its research by combining an entrepreneurial attitude with design solutions for societal problems. Our uniqueness lies in the strong ties between scientists crossing disciplinary boundaries: we are Excellent in our Disciplines, Unique in our Combinations.
The faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences has recently launched an investment programme called Tech4people to strengthen its academic fields. We are looking for candidates for 7 pioneering multidisciplinary projects, on Twente-specific topics.
Job specification
In the energy sector, a new type of actors has become increasingly important: local, citizen-based energy initiatives aiming at sustainable forms of energy production and consumption. At the same time, they have to develop viable business models, taking into account local conditions as well as developments within the highly dynamic energy sector. The PhD project will investigate how local energy initiatives develop business models with particular attention to the role of innovative ‘smart’ technologies, and use qualitative and quantitative scenario development to support creative business model design and the exploration of their conditions and implications. You will carry out qualitative case studies in and with local energy initiatives, develop scenarios and conduct stakeholder workshops, supported by an interdisciplinary team of researchers. The PhD position will be part of the internationally oriented Department of Science, Technology and Policy Studies, which is renowned for its excellent research and has been evaluated accordingly, www.utwente.nl/bms/steps/. You will furthermore become a member of the Twente Graduate School (http://www.utwente.nl/en/education/post-graduate/tgs/programmes/igs/governance-knowledge-innovation/) with Prof. Stefan Kuhlmann as your promoter.
Your Profile
You have a master degree in a relevant field, such as science and technology studies, innovation studies, or business administration. You have gained knowledge related to energy transitions and/or business model development. You have experience in empirical research and good communicative skills for interacting with project partners and stakeholders. You speak and write fluently in English; speaking Dutch is an asset.
Information and Application
For more information you can contact Kornelia Konrad (k.e.konrad@utwente.nl; +31 53 489 3906 or Klaasjan Visscher (k.visscher@utwente.nl; +31 53 489 3489). To apply for this position, please fill in the application form including your resume, list of publications (if applicable), relevant certificates and (contact details of) two references on www.utwente.nl/vacatures/ or www.utwente.nl/vacatures/en/ before March 1, 2015.
Our offer
We offer a very challenging position in an inspiring environment. This position is a PhD project. As a PhD candidate you will be appointed in a full-time position for a period of three years (38 hours a week), leading to a dissertation. The gross monthly salary for a PhD increases from € 2125,- in the first year to € 2593,- in the third year (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). The University of Twente offers additional attractive employment conditions.
The Organisation
The University of Twente. We stand for science and technology, high tech, human touch, education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programs. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research. The Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences strives to hold a leading position in their fields in relation to the science and technology research programs of the University of Twente. In all these fields, the faculty provides bachelor, master and professional development programs.
Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences
The Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences (BMS) strives to play a pivotal role in understanding, co-engineering and evaluating innovation in society. Innovation is driven by advances in technology. Through 'social engineering' these technological advances are embedded in society befitting human needs and behaviour, within proper public and private management and business structures. For this the faculty of BMS upholds high quality disciplinary knowledge in psychology, business administration, public administration, communication science, philosophy, educational science and health sciences. All with a focus on the challenges in society. Research is strongly connected to our Institutes on Governance (IGS), ICT (CTIT), Health (MIRA) and Nanotechnology (MESA+).