Tema T – Technology and Social Change, Linköping University, Sweden, is searching for two PhD candidates expected to conduct research on socio-technical change processes in the fields of bioenergy and smart grids. Applicants should preferably have a background in sociology, political science, environmental studies, or other social science disciplines – and ideally at least have some basic knowledge in science and technology studies. Deadline for both applications is April 29.

Socio-technical configurations of regional biogas use, Ref: TEMA-2015-00043

The PhD project will analyse the development of biogas use in selected Swedish regions and within different sectors, such as public and private transport, households, agriculture, or industry. Of particular interest is the emergence of new socio-technical configurations around different forms of biogas use – new networks of actors, institutional structures, alignment of visions and expectations – and the potential impact this has on the transformation of regional energy systems. The project will be part of Linköping University’s “Biogas Research Centre”. Interdisciplinary engagement with other research and implementation projects carried out at this centre will be expected from the PhD candidate.

http://www.liu.se/jobba/lediga-jobb?l=en&&rmpage=job&rmjob=1596&rmlang=UK

Learning from smart grid pilot projects – a socio-technical perspective,
Ref: TEMA-2015-00031

The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the development of ‘smart grids’ and the transformation of the electricity system in Sweden from a social science and innovation studies perspective. Of particular interest is the learning taking place across smart grid pilot projects and the interrelation of these projects with the emergence of new institutional structures, policies and socio-technical configurations in the electricity system. The PhD research will be part of an interdisciplinary cooperation in the project ‘New networks of power: on the emergence, diffusion and impact of alternative electricity system architectures’ involving two further PhD students at Chalmers University. Moreover, the PhD candidate is expected to participate in the new interdisciplinary ‘energy systems PhD school’ involving several Swedish Universities.

http://www.liu.se/jobba/lediga-jobb?l=en&&rmpage=job&rmjob=1572&rmlang=UK

‘Tema T – Technology and Social Change’ is a dynamic and internationally leading research environment focusing on the critical analysis of both, technology’s influence on society and different types of understandings constructed around technology in society. Our research deals with how social actors create and exploit technology, and how technical change is woven together with cultural patterns, daily life, politics and the economy. We employ currently more than 50 researchers at the unit including ca. 20 PhD students.