Description
A postdoctoral research position is being offered at Tilburg University’s School of Economics & Management, focusing on collaborative governance and stakeholder networks in decentralized energy systems. The role is embedded within the Joule4Joule Project, a multi-sector consortium aimed at reshaping future energy networks through innovative infrastructure design and cooperative stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities
As part of this project, the postdoctoral researcher will investigate how multi-stakeholder collaborations in decentralized energy settings can be structured and governed, with an emphasis on contracts, cooperative norms, and trust-based mechanisms. Key objectives will include addressing how new forms of organizing can enhance fairness, efficiency, and scalability in energy solutions.
Research Focus Areas
- Governance mechanisms that support stakeholder collaboration in decentralized energy
- Self-organization within energy networks and contract-based risk-sharing models
- Empirical evaluation of collaborative frameworks across energy communities
- Business and management innovations relevant to grid operators, governments, and technology providers
- The scalability and replication of findings to broader energy transition contexts
This role provides an opportunity to contribute to practical solutions for climate-neutral energy systems and will be aligned with the Academic Collaborative Center on Climate and Energy (ACC), enhancing both academic and societal impact.
Qualification
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will:
- Hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in Strategic Management, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field
- Have a strong background in empirical research, ideally involving industry collaboration
- Demonstrate expertise in collaborative governance, sourcing/contracting, or network management
- Show strong qualitative research and data analysis skills
- Be fluent in both Dutch and English
- Exhibit proactive, creative, and independent research capabilities
- Communicate effectively with academic and industry audiences
- Be committed to impactful, interdisciplinary climate and energy research
Benefits & Compensation
- Full-time gross salary: €4,537 – €6,209/month (UFO profile Researcher 3, scale 11)
- 8% vacation pay and 8.3% year-end bonus
- Over 8 weeks of paid vacation leave
- Hybrid working options, including a home-office allowance (€2/day)
- Monthly internet reimbursement (€25)
- Sustainable commuting support (bike, walk, public transit)
- Flexible benefits: extra leave, pension contributions, gym membership
- Relocation support and eligibility for the 30% tax ruling (for international hires)
- ABP pension plan
- Access to career training, leadership programs, and research funding
- Collaboration opportunities across interdisciplinary university networks
- Inclusive work culture and a green, accessible campus environment
Application Process
Applicants are kindly asked to apply online only by July 30, 2025. Applications should be addressed to Prof. Wendy van der Valk and must include:
- A cover letter outlining motivation and research interests
- A complete academic CV
- Two academic writing samples (published or unpublished)
- Contact information for two referees
For inquiries, contact:
📧 w.vdrvalk@tilburguniversity.edu
Selection Timeline
- Letter review: August 1, 2025
- First-round interviews: Early August
- Final interviews: Late August
- A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) may be requested during the hiring process.
The selected candidate is expected to begin on September 1, 2025.
