Postdoctoral fellowship in Innovation and Sustainability Transitions

TIK Centre fror Technology, Innovation and Culture offer a 3 year fulltime postdoctoral position in the field of energy transitions. Ambitious policy goals of reaching net-zero Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by mid-century requires that transition processes increase in scope, depth, and speed. The postdoc will analyze how such goals can be achieved with a particular focus on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).

The position is funded by two complementary research projects. First, the project “Socio-technical drivers, opportunities and challenges for large-scale CCUS (CaptureX)” funds 1 year of the position. Second, the Norwegian Centre for Energy Transition Studies (NTRANS) funds 2 years of the postdoc position. The postdoc will be part of Research Area 2 entitled “Accelerating the Energy Transition” which is coordinated by the TIK Centre. For further information follow this link.

Most decarbonization scenarios assign a major role to rapid diffusion and scaling of CCUS. At the same time, most carbon capture technologies are rather immature, and needed infrastructure and markets for CO2 transport, storage and utilization remain underdeveloped. A new sociotechnical system for CO2 removal must be created across multiple sectors and countries for CCUS to diffuse. Such new system building is a major challenge for CCUS actors. Key topics across the projects include but are not limited to actor strategies for system building, policy missions, strategies, and mixes to support CCUS, or broader perspectives on the role of carbon removal in energy transitions. We expect that the postdoc project will involve collaborations with members of the funding research projects.

An extension for up to 3 months can be considered with the addition of teaching and administrative duties, depending on the competence of the applicant and the needs of the department.

• A PhD degree in a social science discipline, with relevance for the area of innovation and transition studies (including innovation studies, sustainability transitions studies, STS, management studies, sociology, economics, human geography, etc.)
• Only candidates that have submitted their PhD before the closing date for this position can apply. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• High-level proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of a Scandinavian language is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience with relevant theories and methods for studies of innovation and sustainability transitions is an advantage.
• The ability to perform high impact academic work, demonstrated by previous publications in relevant journals is meritorious.

It is expected that the successful candidate participates actively in the CaptureX and NTRANS project groups at the University of Oslo, and contribute to a high standard of collegiality and the TIK Centre’s working environment. Residence in or close to Oslo is thus expected.

In assessing applicants, we will emphasize each candidates’ academic background and potential, as well as motivation and match with the projects. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be part of the recruitment process.

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• Financial and practical support for international staff moving to Norway
• The university´s mentoring programme for female postdocs

The application must include

• An application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
• A detailed academic CV listing education, prior employment, academic experience, other relevant experiences and qualifications, detailed list of publications
• A project description that explains how the applicant will mobilize theoretical perspectives and empirical strategies to carry out the work. The text should link to NTRANS and Capture X project descriptions, and explain how this position will contribute to it, and to the broader literature on sustainability transitions (3-5 pages). The full project description for NTRANS is available on TIK’s website, follow link and the full project description for CaptureX is available via email to Allan Dahl Andersen.
• Up to three publications that the applicant wishes to have considered in the assessment process.
• Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master and PhD courses). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in a Scandinavian language or English must be uploaded in the original language. A certified English translation of these documents must also be attached.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

• Associate Professor Allan Dahl Andersen
• Head of Administration Inger-Johanne Ullern