Postdoc: Market Power Analysis in the Nordic spot-hedge electricity market - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description

In this project we propose to develop policies with the ultimate aim of improving the performance of the wholesale electricity market and smoothing the transition to the low-carbon future. Specifically, we propose to pursue the following objectives:

First, an exploration and identification of the reasons for low liquidity in certain pricing areas of Nord Pool. Our preliminary hypothesis is that this arises due to the presence of market power in these pricing areas. We will seek to identify whether market power exists in these pricing areas and to associate the presence of market power with low liquidity. Once the drivers of low liquidity have been identified we will develop a set of policies to enhance that liquidity.

Second, a careful development of alternative financial instruments that could be provided in Nord Pool to better accommodate the hedging needs of new market entrants and also resolve the insufficient-correlation issue. This will involve two strands – both theoretical research into trading instruments which could meet the hedging needs of different market participants and engagement with industry practitioners to identify their concerns with the existing market and to ensure that any developed instruments would meet the practical needs and concerns of market participants.

The postdoc researcher is part of a team working on different electricity market issues and will be involved in teaching and supervising the PhD students.

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 in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or applied economics. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Research expertise in electricity market areas
• Teaching abilities

Personal skills

As a person, you have good collaborative skills and a good ability to work independently and will work well in an international team. You have good analytical skills and teaching abilities, as well as the ability to take your own initiatives in your work.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Economics, Operations Research or Applied Mathematics. Proven excellent knowledge of non-convex optimization theory, discrete optimization theory, stochastic processes, mathematical decomposition techniques, and electricity-market principles. Students with MSc degrees from other disciplines (for example physics or mathematics) who are interested in and capable of performing theoretical research in electricity-market areas are recommended to apply.  
• Knowledge of EU electricity market designs and involvement in electricity-market-related projects. 
• Relevant papers in the areas of applied mathematics, operations research, or electricity markets. 
• Proven ability to work in an international team of researchers and collaborate with other team members.

Please note that we reserve the right to ask for supplementary materials if needed during the assessment process.

Preferably you have a good awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality .

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

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

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply for 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.
• Nominating at least two reference persons who can comment on the applicant scientific performance. The recommendation letters can be also sent along with other application documents. 

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.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

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