PhD student position in Innovation systems of emerging fission and fusion technologies

2 weeks ago


Gothenburg, Sweden Chalmers tekniska högskola Full time

This position provides the opportunity to deep-dive into research at the crossroad of the vibrant fields of transition studies, industrial dynamics, climate change, sustainable development and physics. The position will give you the opportunity to work with experienced scholars and get access to networks stretching across academia and industry in an area at the center of political attention.

Project description Climate change mitigation, energy security concerns and cumulative technical development have led to a renewed interest in nuclear energy. However, established nuclear fission technology suffers from long construction times, high up-front costs, limited learning, and high political risk. Small modular reactors (SMRs) could potentially open a new trajectory for nuclear fission, and thermonuclear fusion could open a completely new space for innovation and industrial development. To realise such visions, not only technical problems, but also a broad set of economic and institutional barriers related to developing new industrial value chains need to be overcome. This PhD project at Chalmers, in cooperation with RISE, applies the technological innovation systems (TIS) framework to identify barriers and drivers in different parts of the emerging sociotechnical systems around SMRs and fusion reactors, with the aim of providing foresight to policymakers and industry.

Information about the division
The research is conducted at the at the . The division conducts research on technology governance, including environmental assessment of technology and organisation, and studies of system transformation. Our research requires inter- and transdisciplinary efforts combining environmental assessment, such as life cycle assessment, with approaches from social science, such as innovation system and transition studies, often in close interaction with stakeholders. The division offers a range of courses in related areas. The division has around 35 staff members, faculty and PhD-students with diverse expertise, including engineering, natural and social sciences.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student you will have the responsibility to pursue doctoral studies including a research project and doctoral courses. You are expected to plan and organize your work, work independently, collaborate closely with supervisors, other researchers and partner stakeholders, and be able to communicate scientific results, both orally and in written form, in English. In addition to research and coursework, you are expected to take part in seminars and conferences. The doctoral program is supposed to lead to the doctoral degree, equivalent to four years of full-time studies. Since there are also teaching obligations, the position is expected to be five years long.



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