PhD Candidate: Social Attitudes to Geothermal Energy

The University of Twente is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate to explore social attitudes towards geothermal energy. This research position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development of geothermal energy initiatives and to understand how public perception and social acceptance can shape the future of this renewable energy source.

Position Details:

• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Salary: Gross monthly salary of €2,770 in the first year, increasing to €3,539 in the fourth year.
• Application Deadline: November 19, 2023

About the University of Twente:

The University of Twente is dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment. They value diversity in ethnicity, gender, culture, disability, LGBTQ+ identities, family responsibilities, age, and religion. The University encourages candidates who share these values to apply for the position.

The Challenge:

Understanding public perceptions and social attitudes towards geothermal energy is essential for effective communication and sustainable development. This project involves a mixed-method analysis using both quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine how geothermal energy exploration and associated technologies are communicated in the media and on social platforms. This research will also involve in-depth perception studies in at least three different case study areas with varying levels of geothermal development, offering insight into the social acceptance of mining and geothermal technologies.

The ideal candidate will be engaged in research, enthusiastic about conducting both individual and team-based research, and have experience in conducting focus group interviews and quantitative surveys. Proficiency in qualitative data analysis using tools like NVivo and SPSS is desirable, along with the ability to write scientific articles, reports, or produce visual media. A strong command of written and spoken English is required, and candidates should be willing to travel for research stays related to the project.

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• PhD Fellowship in Biophysics – University of Copenhagen, Denmark

What We Offer:

• An inspiring, multidisciplinary, and international academic environment.
• A full-time position for four years.
• Access to professional and personal development programs within the Twente Graduate School.
• Competitive salaries with additional benefits like holiday allowances and year-end bonuses.
• A solid pension scheme and 41 holiday days per year for full-time employment.

Application Information:

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application by November 19, 2023. Your application should include:

• A motivation letter (up to 2 pages) highlighting your specific interest, qualifications, and motivation for applying.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contact information for at least two academic references.
• An academic transcript of your BSc and MSc education, including grades, and a brief description of your last major academic achievement (MSc thesis, final project report, EngD thesis).

For more details about the position, you can contact Dr. Heather Handley via email at h.k.handley@utwente.nl or visit the official webpage.

Join the University of Twente in advancing research on geothermal energy and its social acceptance. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions.