Postdoc in technology and policy change

The cost of low-carbon technologies has plummeted in the last two decades at the same time as public support for them has waned. Policy-makers face a dilemma – double down on proven solutions like wind and solar or bet on emerging technologies like carbon capture and storage and hydrogen. A new Postdoc position explores this challenge by empirically documenting and tracing the policy support overtime for both new and existing technologies and likely challenging the dominant assumption that once a technology becomes competitive in the market policy support can taper off.About UsThe postdoctoral position will be based within the Physical Resource Theory Division and the Department of Space Earth and Environment. The Physical Resource Theory Division conducts research and provides education on solutions to major environmental challenges such as climate change , energy transitions, and sustainable land use. Our challenge-driven research is interdisciplinary building on both technical and social sciences using a range of quantitative methods. The division has around 50 staff members, faculty, and PhD-students with diverse expertise including engineers, natural and social scientists. The Department of Space, Earth and Environment focuses on cutting edge science to answer really big questions important for tackling global challenges.About The Research Project The position will contribute to a number of ongoing research projects examining the pace and dynamics of policy and technology change as well as to the broader research agenda within the Energy Technology and Policy research group which focuses on understanding the feasibility of climate action and developing approaches for anticipating transitions. The group has a rich international network and a strong funding track record, including with an ERC Starting Grant and as part of a MISTRA network on Low-carbon Electrification in Sweden.Who We Are Looking ForThe following requirements are mandatory:We require a PhD degree in economics, environmental science, energy studies, public policy, political science, or related fields of natural and social science with a specialization in energy transitions, energy policy, or energy economics at the graduate level.To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline*.  You will need strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including a track record of academic writingRelevant experience with data analysis and programming (e.g. python or R) and empirical data analysis (including statistics)Strong motivation and commitment to scientific inquiry.You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.The date on your doctoral degree certificate is considered the official date of completion. Exceptions to the three-year eligibility limit may be made for documented circumstances such as parental leave, sick leave, or military service.What You Will DoThe candidate will conduct research on the interaction between policy and technology change.Participate in supervising master’s and/or PhD students.The position can include teaching up to 20%.We are recruiting a Post doctoral researcher to develop and apply methods for analysing the dynamics of policy change and development of policy-driven technologies. The position will focus on developing new methods to measure and model technological deployment and to identify the role of policies in accelerating and/or re-accelerating the growth of low-carbon technologies. The interdisciplinary post-doc position requires expertise in a range of quantitative social science methods applied both to "softer" kinds of data like texts of policies and political documents as well as to numerical data such as technology deployment.The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.Contract terms The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.What We OfferAs a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees. A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg. Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.Application procedureThe application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.CVA comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications. Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience. Personal letterA brief introduction about yourself. A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes. An outline of your future goals and research focus. Academic writing sampleTwo academic writing samples.If the works are co-authored please also submit a statement regarding your role.Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.We welcome your application no later than November 20, 2025For Questions Please ContactJessica JewellEmail: jewell@chalmers.seWe look forward to your application! Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.