Job profile
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
1. THE PROJECT
The research project in which the successful candidates will be involved focuses on the role of renewable energy communities in the energy transition. Energy communities, as defined by the Clean energy for all Europeans package, allow citizens to participate actively in the energy transition through, e.g.. investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency actions, or demand flexibility services. Energy communities focus on environmental, economic or social community benefits rather than generating financial profits. The project focuses in particular on citizens’ participation in offshore wind projects. In this context, the successful candidates will, i.a., study the profile of current investors in energy cooperatives, socio-economic benefits of the cooperative model, balancing of renewable portfolios, risk mitigation, etc.
Your research will draw from energy economics, financial economics, applied microeconomics and applied econometrics, using financial and electricity market data. The PhD projects aim for influential academic publications, while also making a contribution towards increasing the active participation of consumers in the energy transition and making renewable energy generation more accessible to consumers.
2. PHD SUPERVISION
You will work towards a PhD under the guidance of prof. Koen Schoors and prof. Marten Ovaere, at the Department of Economics of Ghent University (https://www.ugent.be/eb/economics/en/research), which consists of around 30 full-time faculty, 10 post docs and 80 PhD students. Their research covers a broad span in micro, macro, econometrics, labour, banking, finance, international and environmental economics as well as a number of interdisciplinary topics. A wide range of methods are employed, both theoretical and empirical. The planned start date is October 1st 2022.
3. WORKING AT UGENT
- We offer you a full-time position, initially offered for one year, but it could be renewed up to maximum four years upon positive evaluations.
- Envisaged starting date: 1 October 2022.
- Minimum net monthly wage: €2.298,55.
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, ecocheques, etc. A complete overview of all our fringe benefits (in Dutch): https://www.ugent.be/nl/vacatures/personeelsvoordelen.htm
4. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You have a passion for scientific economics research, with a particular focus on energy economics.
- You are a curious team player with good problem-solving skills.
- You already have some research experience (e.g., Master thesis, research internship) and can demonstrate basic programming and data analysis skills.
- You have a good mastery of English and preferably Dutch and/or French
- Candidates should have a Master’s degree in economics, business economics, or a related Master of Science degree
How to apply
If you are interested in this position, please send your application letter (maximum 2 pages), curriculum vitae, and a transcript of MSc grades to:
Marten Ovaere
Department of Economics
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Tweekerkenstraat 2, 9000 Gent
Ghent University
e-mail: marten.ovaere@ugent.be
Short-listed applicants will be informed at short notice. The vacancy will remain open until the positions are filled.