1 Postdoctoral position on “Integrated assessments for the sustainable use of geo-energy resources” in Netherlands | Utrecht University

Geo-resources for energy purposes are still abundant and nowadays many exploration activities are going on. However, it is unknown which mix of resources can be extracted in a safe, environmentally sound, and cost-effective way. Strategies are needed when, where, and how we can benefit optimally from these resources. The successful candidate will join the research program entitled “Finding & Exploiting New Earth Resources in an Environmentally & Socially Acceptable Way”. This program aims to research and develop sustainable strategies and decision making for specific exploitation activities of geo-resources. The research program offers a unique opportunity to combine knowledge from different disciplines to answer these questions. Your task will be to develop integrated modelling approaches that allow the evaluation of geo-resources in terms of economic, environmental and social impacts and test their application in a limited number of case studies in Europe. In the program you will collaborate with researchers of the department of Earth Sciences and the Law Faculty. The candidate will be expected to use the knowledge gained to drive new research activities in collaboration with other partners in the program (Earth sciences and Law faculty within the university as well as TNO, KNWI).

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in energy system analysis, earth systems and or a related discipline. Knowledge experience on georesources (e.g., geothermal, (un)conventional gas, thermal and or Carbon capture and storage) is considered an asset. He or she should communicate easily in English, both verbally and in writing, as is evident from the track record. Candidates should be able to work independently, but are part of a team. The candidate must be able and willing to help in supervision of MSc- and PhD-students.

Conditions of employment

The successful candidate will be offered a full-time postdoc position for one year with - at good performance - an extension of two years. Employment conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. Based on the experience and qualifications of the candidate, the gross monthly salary is between € 2.799,- and € 3.831,- (salary scale 10) on a fulltime basis. The salary is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. We offer a pension scheme, collective insurance schemes and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). Facilities for sports and child care are available on our campus, which is only 15 minutes away from the historical city center of Utrecht.

Organisation

Utrecht University has great ambitions for its teaching quality and study success rates. This also applies to its clear research profiles which are centred around four themes: Sustainability, Life Sciences, Youth & Identity, and Institutions. Utrecht University plays a prominent role in our society and contributes to finding the answers to topical and future societal issues. The Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2,600 students (BSc and MSc) and 600 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty is organised in four Departments: Innovation, Environmental and Energy Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, and Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning. The department of Innovation, Environmental and Energy Sciences is responsible for education and research on relations between humans and the environment, environmental policy and its influence on sustainable development and the management of innovation.

Copernicus Institute

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, within the Faculty aims to develop knowledge, methods and instruments for sustainable development in a broad sense and in close cooperation with other institutions within and outside the university.

Energy & Resources

You will participate in the section Energy and Resources (~60 staff) at the Copernicus Institute, department Innovation, Environmental & Energy Sciences. The institute offers an enthusiastic, dynamic working environment and the research is of scientific high quality. The research is relevant for industrial stakeholders and governments in the national and international arena.