Postdoc in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Windpower - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description

The position involves developing the methods of (environmental) life cycle assessment (LCA), social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) and integrated sustainability life cycle assessment (Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, LSCA) within a case study on land-based wind power. LSCA is here based on combining LCA with S-LCA for a broader sustainability perspective. The life cycle perspective aims at covering the entire life cycle of a product or service, from raw material extraction to waste. The methods are developed to varying degrees, with S-LCA and LCSA considered to be the least developed. Further research is required to further develop and improve them.

The work involves evaluating various wind power plants in databases with environmental and social data. We will use the software Open LCA and Brightway, the database Ecoinvent for environmental data and the social database PSILCA. In-depth research will be done on the issue of the rapid technological development in wind power. What new technology solutions are underway, and how can these change the environmental and social impact on society from wind power? For evaluations of future technologies, we will make modifications to the databases for E-LCA using the Futura software in the Python programming language. We will also investigate how to better evaluate biodiversity, which is considered by some to be insufficiently handled within E-LCA.

Additionally, the issue of social impacts in the use phase will be examined. This phase of the life cycle is only covered within S-LCA to a very limited degree. Here we will try to develop methods for user aspects in S-LCA, and integrate them into the LCSA.

The research is conducted within a project funded by the Swedish Energy Agency.

The position includes up to 20 % teaching.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Knowledge in life cycle assessment.
• Knowledge of life cycle assessment software and databases (E-LCA and S-LCA).
• Proficiency in programming (Python)
• Good knowledge in English, both written and spoken, since it's essential for the daily work.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline. 
• Knowledge of and understanding of sustainable development, including social sustainability.
• Experience in developing own tools (software) for LCA modelling.
• Knowledge in so-called ex-ante/prospective LCA.
• Knowledge of wind power technology
• Knowledge of assessment methods for biodiversity.
• Good knowledge in Swedish, both written and spoken.
• Excellent knowledge in English, both written and spoken.

As a person, you show independence and take initiatives. The work also requires collaborative abilities, research expertise and accuracy.

We prefer that you have good teaching abilities. It's commendable if you have a commitment to sustainable development, and an awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competency.

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.