PhD position in Information Systems

Job description

Are you interested in the interplay between business model design of innovative energy transition solutions and regulation? Do you want to investigate how enterprise modeling techniques, tools and methods can contribute to analyzing this interplay? If you can relate to this, we encourage you to apply to this PhD position.

The energy sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by the urgency of climate change, the need for equitable energy access, and the growing prominence of information technology. This shift is paving the way for innovative energy solutions, such as peer-to-peer electricity trading platforms, which allow citizens and communities to participate directly in energy markets.

This PhD project will focus on assessing the business model and regulatory viability of these new solutions. While technical viability is important, understanding how these solutions can thrive within specific regulatory environments and business contexts is equally critical. Regional regulations have a notable impact on the roles and responsibilities of market participants, the allocation of costs and benefits, and the potential to scale benefits effectively. This PhD project will develop an instrument for exploring how regulation influences the business model structure and early project development of emerging energy solutions, moving beyond simple compliance checks.

Topic

The successful candidate will develop tools, methods, and techniques that help to assess how regulation influences business model design, including early-stage business model viability. An initial idea is to capitalize on Enterprise Modeling, in particular its multi-perspective nature, to explore the relationship between regulatory concerns and business model concerns. Depending on the interest of the candidate, the following scientific and practically relevant results can be targeted: (1) a self-assessment tool for an energy transition solution. For example, one can envision a (proof of concept) website whereby members of a prospective energy community can specify their community aims and the targeted region. Using a structured question-answer game, the website responds not with business model considerations of relevance both to the specified aims, as well as the rights and responsibilities entailed by the regional regulation, (2) an instrument that, for a given piece of regulation, supports policymakers in performing a regulatory impact analysis; or (3) a modeling method that supports consultants to design a regulatory compliant energy transition solution. Initial application areas within the energy domain include energy communities and congestion management.

Position

This PhD position is part of a collaboration between Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), funded by the Eurotech PhD program.

At TU/e, as a PhD student, you will become part of the Information Systems research group at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences. Apart from research, you will also contribute to the teaching activities of the group in the Bachelor and Master programs of the department. Moreover, as part of the Eurotech PhD program, you are expected to spend a minimum of 6 months abroad at the partner university DTU.

Job requirements

• You have a Master’s degree in Information Systems, Business Science, Innovation Science, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or a similar field of study.
• An affinity with conceptual modeling is considered as a plus.
• You have a strong affinity with interdisciplinary research that involves collaboration with industry.
• You can work on a challenging topic that has both basic and applied research aspects.
• You can implement ideas in software prototypes.
• Your verbal and written communication skills are excellent, as are your proficiency in English and your ability to collaborate in an international group.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting, and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months and with a target start date as soon as possible. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (Gross monthly salary is € 2.901,- in the first year up to € 3.707,- in the fourth year on a full-time basis).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e, we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's daycare, and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home, and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us:

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

More information:

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact:

Sybren de Kinderen s.d.kinderen@tue.nl (as the main contact), or Karolin Winter k.m.winter@tue.nl and Oktay Turetken o.turetken@tue.nl (as additional contacts).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Najat Loiazizi, HR Advisor, HRServices.IEIS@tue.nl or +3140 2478827.

Are you inspired to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs.

Application:

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application must contain the following documents (all in English):

• Cover letter (1-page max), which includes a motivation of your interest in the vacancy and an explanation of why you would fit well for the position.
• Detailed curriculum vitae.
• Copy of your Master thesis or other equivalent report, e.g., Bachelor thesis.
• List of courses you have taken in your Master and Bachelor programs (including grades).
• Results of a recent English language test, or other evidence of your English language capabilities.

We look forward to your application and aim to fill this vacancy as soon as possible.