Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment, and Energy
"Future Energy & Mobility Structures" Research Group
Research Fellow (Part-time; Ref #: 051/13/1)
Deadline: May 26, 2013
The position of a research fellow, which is envisaged as a part-time job (19,92 hours per week) and will be remunerated according to wage group 13 of the salary scheme for federal state employees (TV-L), is linked to writing a doctoral thesis in the above-mentioned research field.
In the context of the German turnaround in energy policy, increasing energy efficiency of buildings (e.g. by thermal insulation) is of key importance. Thereby, analysing the energy turnaround in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is crucial for the turnaround in the whole country since NRW is the most populous federal state in Germany and also home to the largest share of industrial enterprises.
The research project linked to the PHD position is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Main objective of the project is to analyse a city of the Ruhr district as a model of the energy turnaround in NRW while focusing on energy efficiency of buildings. The instrument of choice for knowledge integration is a agent-based model family.
• The specific models are supposed to examine different submarkets (e.g. private residential buildings, rented residential buildings, public buildings) and influencing factors (e.g. market conditions, financing conditions, dynamics of supply-side
actors, advice standards, interests and decision behaviour of users and tenants)
• The modelling is influenced by results of real experiments, insights of a cultural system analysis as well as findings from a participative development of regional visions and an integrated resource modelling, each of which will be implemented in the course of the project.
• Furthermore, it is conceivable that the models are linked to comprehensive topics such as regional energy and material flows, consequences with regard to the labour market, interactions with demographical mega trends or issues of energy security.
In the framework of the PhD project, an agent-based model should be developed which leads to fruitful results. If you decide to apply, please enclose a sketch of specific suggestions (1 page) concerning the structuring of the PhD project within this range of topics.
The opportunity to undertake doctoral research is offered in conjunction either with the University of Osnabrück or the TU Delft (the Netherlands), two institutions the Wuppertal Institute cooperates with. The place of work is Wuppertal. Applicants are expected to be committed to interdisciplinary exchange and participate in the acquisition of third-party funding.
Our requirements and your profile:
• Degree in relevant field of studies (e.g. system analysis, economics, natural sciences, engineering, geography)
• Knowledge of model building and simulation
• Proficiency in English
Advantageous are:
• Prior knowledge of agent-based modelling
• Computer programming skills (Java)
• Knowledge in the fields of energy, resources, housing market, construction industry
• Good German language skills
Our expectations:
• Determination with regard to a successful completion of the doctoral thesis within the designated time frame
• Willingness to cooperate with internal and external research groups
• Readiness to write professional publications and present results on international forums
• High level of team competence, transdisciplinary communication skills and technical understanding
Interested candidates are invited to send a curriculum vitae, a motivation letter and (academic and working) certificates by email to bewerbung@wupperinst.org. Please do not forget to mention the reference number 051/13/1.
The application deadline is May 26th, and the position will be filled as soon as possible. If you have any requests or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Peter Viebahn (Phone +49 202 2492-306).
