Doctoral Student In The Political Dynamics Of Energy Transitions

Do you want to contribute to new knowledge about one of the most decisive societal transformations of our time? We are seeking a Doctoral student who will develop critical knowledge about how political dynamics shape the energy transition. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research project with strong scientific ambition and clear policy relevance, in close collaboration with leading researchers and societal stakeholders.

About us

The Department of Technology Management and Economics conducts research and education at the intersection of technological development and management/policy. At the Division of Innovation and R&D Management, the research focuses on organizing and managing innovation, improvement, change and R&D activities. By collaborating with public and private organizations, we address real-world challenges that demand novel ways of working and organizing.

About the research project

The Doctoral student will be part of the interdisciplinary project Consensus and Conflict in the Energy Transition, which gathers researchers from Chalmers, University of Gothenburg, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden to combine transition studies and political science. The project investigates how differences in values and beliefs among policymakers, firms, experts, and citizens shape the pace, direction, and legitimacy of the energy transition. Applying methods such as discourse network analysis, quantitative and qualitative text analysis, surveys, case studies, and interviews, the research aims to identify and explain the mechanisms underlying policy development, technology choices, and societal acceptance, with a particular focus on contested energy and technology domains.

Read more about the project here- https://www.ri.se/sv/systeminnovation/projekt/konsensus-och-konflikt-i-energiomstallningen

Who we are looking for

We are seeking candidates with a Master’s degree in, for example:

• Innovation or transition studies
• Political science, public administration, or similar
• Science and technology Studies (STS)
• Global systems, industrial engineering and management, economic geography, or equivalent

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits*.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong analytical skills and an interest in research methodology
• Documented experience in quantitative and/or qualitative analysis
• A strong interest in political perspectives on energy and climate transitions
• Excellent ability to communicate in spoken and written English
• Understanding of the Swedish and Nordic context

• for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience in interdisciplinary research
• Experience combining qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Familiarity with R, Python, or similar analytical tools.
• Experience with text analysis and survey methodology
• Knowledge of energy, climate, or sustainability-related policy issues
• Proficiency in a Scandinavian language

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Technology Management and Economics
• Develop your own scientific knowledge and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions is fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV (maximum 2 pages)

Personal letter (maximum 1 page)

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Transcripts

• Bachelor- and master-level exam certificates, including transcripts of records (grades)”

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than April 19, 2026

For questions, please contact:

Hans Hellsmark
Email: hans.hellsmark@chalmers.se

Petra Bosch-Sijtsema
Email: petra.bosch@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.