We are offering 2 postdoc positions (3 years with possible extension) on the research team of the ERC project FAST. The FAST project aims to explain and model social tipping dynamics and interventions in energy transitions. Existing models that form the basis for energy transition scenarios typically do not include the positive feedbacks resulting from the interactions between civil society and energy transitions. Yet these interactions have been identified as important drivers and barriers of energy transitions and as crucial in triggering the social tipping dynamics that can accelerate the energy transition. Social tipping dynamics in energy transitions occur when a small change or intervention has a large effect on emission reductions.

Postdoc 1 will work on a discourse analysis and a cross country survey to identify the social and behavioral factors that contribute to social tipping dynamics.

Postdoc 2 will contribute to a novel class of simulation models of such social tipping dynamics.

The project combines quantitative and qualitative research approaches, and the postdocs will be part of a multidisciplinary team working on accelerating sustainability transitions. The PI of the project is Floor Alkemade and the team also includes 3 PhD students.

We look for highly motivated candidates that

• Position 1: Have (or are about to obtain) a PhD on a relevant topic, including behavioural science, psychology, qualitative research methods, sustainability transitions.
• Position 2: Have (or are about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant discipline, including energy science, agent-based modelling, energy systems modelling, complex systems, science of networks, sustainability transitions.
• Have strong expertise in qualitative or quantitative research methods.
• Are fluent in spoken and written English.
• Have excellent scientific writing and planning skills. 

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for 3 years.
• You will have free access to high-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary ranges between €2,846 in the first year and €4,490 in the fourth year of employment per month for full-time employment.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called '30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

The positions will be embedded in the TIS group (Technology, Innovation and Society) of the department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences and the Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES).  The TU/e mission is to educate students and advance knowledge in science and technology for the benefit of humanity. Eindhoven University of Technology is a young university at the center of one of the most powerful technology hubs in the world; Brainport Eindhoven. Inclusive transitions towards sustainability is a key research theme of the department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences.