For the NWA project SPARKLES, we are looking for an enthusiastic transdisciplinary post-doctoral researcher. The project aims to bridge the gap between the technological societal and environmental science domains in the context of floating solar, with the aim of nature-inclusive upscaling of this emerging technology. The post-doctoral researcher will contribute to bridging this gap by working with project partners to identify desired futures for floating solar implementation and develop concrete pathways and scenarios towards these futures based on current knowledge from the different disciplines. The post-doctoral researcher is charged with an inventory of existing knowledge and data on floating solar, and subsequent identification of knowledge gaps that hamper the responsible upscaling of floating solar technology such as environmental risks, governance barriers and technological limitations.

We offer an interesting post-doctoral position for 4 days per week (0.8 fte) for 3 years, with ample opportunities to expand your network across different scientific domains and with non-science partners. A stimulating research environment at the research group AKWA (website) in a translational science team that strives to employ team-science approaches in our research and allow members to benefit from each other’s strengths.

We are looking for applicants with a background in transition and sustainability studies, showing an affinity for the energy transition and the environmental impacts thereof. Applicants should hold a PhD degree in the field of sustainability research or a comparable study field, with proven expertise in working with interdisciplinary knowledge domains. Conducting workshops with stakeholders from backgrounds ranging from legislative authorities to energy consultants forms a key component of the work, calling for good communicative and organizational skills. A sound command of the English language in written and spoken word is required. Furthermore, the post-doctoral researcher will be tasked with combining and organizing different data on floating solar, it's functioning and environmental impacts, making an affinity and proven expertise in data organizing and handling a key skill. Applicants should be teamplayers, who enjoy working within a large consortium of varying backgrounds.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €3.345,- and the maximum salary is €5.278,- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.
The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).
For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.
Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO performs leading ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water, stimulates ecological research of the Netherlands and shares its ecological knowledge with society. Based on our core values, NIOO strives to be a collaborative, inclusive, innovative, impactful, and responsible organization.

Acquatic Ecology

You will be appointed at the Department of Acquatic Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) located in Wageningen. For detailed information on the Acquatic Ecology Department, please visit our website: https://nioo.knaw.nl/en/departments/aquatic-ecology.