Post-doctoral researcher in Economics with a focus on bioenergy and its role for Swedish industry in a systems perspective

The department of Economics at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics is looking for a post-doctoral researcher in Economics with a focus on environmental economics in general and bioenergy, energy transition and the effects on Swedish industry in particular. The position is based on external research funding and is full-time for 24 months. The position includes 20% teaching and 80% research based on funding via the Bio4energy program. Apply May 20, 2024, at the latest.

Starting date: September 1, 2024, or by agreement.

Project description and tasks
The research is financed and carried out within the framework of the Bio4energy program (www.bio4energy.se). Bio4energy is an interdisciplinary program with an overall focus on the value chain from forest, residual products and waste to energy, chemicals and material extraction. The research conducted within the framework of this position is based on a systems perspective with a particular focus on economics, markets and industry development. As a post-doctoral researcher, you will be part of a team of senior researchers in Economics. Your workplace is the Economics department at USBE, and you will also be part of the CERE (www.cere.se) research environment with a network of research fellows. 

The Swedish energy market has undergone, and is expected to undergo, major changes with increased competition, increasing energy prices and large fluctuations in relative prices between different energy types. An important question in this context is how the Swedish industry's energy use and choice between different types of energy has been affected, and possibly will be affected in the future, by this transition. Based on detailed data from Statistics Sweden which includes, among other things, energy consumption at firm level for over 30 different types of energy sources, analyses of how the Swedish industry has changed its energy use can be carried out. Potential research questions may also relate to regional heterogeneity in demand for bioenergy, and the degree of competition for bioenergy. With greater knowledge of the above-mentioned factors, this research also intends to touch upon possible effects of policy instruments and regulations related to bioenergy and the Swedish industry.

Although the research topics outlined above are well-defined, it will also be possible to conduct research in other, but related, topics. One part of the initial phase of the employment will be devoted to defining relevant research questions in collaboration with other researchers in the project. The post-doctoral researcher will therefore have the possibility to contribute with research questions within the framework of the Bio4Energy program.

This position also involves teaching economics at both the basic and the advanced level, as well as participating in planning and possible course administration. The applicant is expected to have competence for teaching in several areas of economics, such as micro- and macroeconomics as well as method-oriented courses. Supervising thesis work may also be part of the duties, and the applicant is expected to participate in additional departmental work.

Eligibility requirements
The applicant shall have a PhD in Economics before starting the position. Priority will be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. Candidates who have completed their degrees more than three years before the closing date of the application may be considered if special circumstances apply. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances.

Assessment criteria
When assessing applicants, special emphasis is placed on previous research and research planning relevant to the research area, as well as scientific skills demonstrated through publications in scientific journals and research applications. It is advantageous if the applicant has:

• Previous experience of research related to biofuels, industrial organization and market mechanisms.
• Knowledge and experience of quantitative methods and applied policy analysis.
• Knowledge and experience of working with microlevel data.
• Successfully worked in research teams and delivered results within given time limits.
• Cooperative and communicative skills.
• A proven ability to use the English language, both in writing and orally.

Pedagogical skill refers to working with students, one's own pedagogical development, and contributing to the educational development of the department. Pedagogical skills must relate to the subject area of ​​economics.

In case of completely equivalent qualifications, the gender distribution at the department can be taken into account.

How to apply
The application shall include the following parts: 

• Cover sheet with contact information. 
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of original degree certificates. 
• Description of previous research experience (1-2 pages). 
• Description of future research plans (1-2 pages).
• Description of pedagogical skills. 
• Names and contact details of at least two personal references. 
• Publication list.
• Selected research articles (maximum 5).

A complete application must be submitted on Umeå University recruitment system no later than May 20, 2024. 

Information
For more information, contact assistant head of department Tomas Sjögren, tomas.sjogren@umu.se, +46(0)90 786 9994 or associate professor Lars Person, lars.persson@umu.se, +46(0)90 786 5845.

In every recruitment process, we aim for increased diversity and therefore especially welcome women as applicants for employment.

More about Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE)
As an internationally respected, nationally influential, and regionally rooted part of Umeå University, Umeå School of Business, Economics, and Statistics contributes to societal development through education and research of a high international standard.

Through interplay with surrounding society, we provide education and research that contributes to the understanding, ability, and responsibility of individuals in relation to societal challenges and the importance of sustainable development.

In collaboration with our surrounding society, we provide education and research that contributes to individuals' understanding, ability and responsibility in relation to societal challenges and the importance of sustainable development. We are AACSB-accredited and sustainability certified according to the environmental management standard ISO14001.

The Department of Business Administration, the Department of Economics, the Department of Statistics and The USBE office form USBE, with about 150 employees. About 3800 students follow our programs every year and we offer education from the undergraduate to the doctoral program level in all of our main disciplines – Business Administration, Economics and Statistics.

The Department of Economics has about 30 members of staff. We pursue research mainly in Labor economics, Public economics, Environmental and Resource economics and Econometrics.

Read more about USBE here: www.umu.se/en/usbe/ 

We look forward to your application!