Postdoc Human capital in public acceptability of emerging energy technologies (1

Sustainable energy transition is vital for combating climate change and related challenges. Public acceptability is essential for a successful sustainable energy transition. The planning and implementation of emerging energy technologies, such as hydrogen, requires careful consideration of public perceptions and acceptability. However, the knowledge and hand-on experience regarding public acceptability is currently lacking in practice, which results in conflicts, resistance, and polarization surrounding energy plans and policies. You will conduct research to better understand public acceptability of the planning and implementation processes with emerging energy technologies. You will develop and execute trainings and workshops for practitioners based on theories in Environmental psychology and empirical findings. You will work in a project setup cooperating with other project partners including those from other knowledge institutions and industry.

You will also have teaching duties in the regular curriculum of the expertise group Environmental Psychology, covering for staff members who are involved in project work in this period. These duties include teaching courses and supervising theses at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels.

Organisation
The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has had top priority for four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences excels in teaching and research in the fields of human behaviour, thinking, learning, and how people live together. We work on societal issues and problems that people experience in daily life. Central to this is individual and societal resilience and how to increase this. To this end, we focus on the topics of migration, the environment and climate, health, upbringing and education, the protection of vulnerable minorities, and sustainable partnerships.The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences employs over 650 staff members. For more information about the Faculty please check the link https://www.rug.nl/gmw/

Environmental Psychology at the University of Groningen has a national and international reputation for excellence. Research within the Environmental Psychology group focuses on a wide range of topics, including understanding which factors influence sustainable behaviours (such as energy use, car use, food consumption); understanding how people cope with environmental and climate risks; understanding the effectiveness of strategies to promote sustainable behaviour; understanding the acceptability of environmental policies; and the effects of sustainable behaviour on wellbeing. The research contributes to theory development and to practice. The Environmental Psychology group collaborates with scholars from different disciplines within and outside the University of Groningen, as well as with governments, NGOs, businesses, and organisations.

We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:

- a PhD degree in Environmental psychology (or a related discipline).
- a relevant publication record demonstrating your ability to publish international academic publications, preferably in top tier peer-reviewed journals.
- a clear interest in collaborative interdisciplinary and intersectoral research.
- excellent command of the English language.
- ability to work independently and manage joint research activities.
- a team player with strong communication skills.
- demonstrable competences as conceptual capacity, environment orientation, presenting and result orientation.
- Command of Dutch language is an advantage.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

- depending on qualifications and work experience, a salary of € 4,060 to a maximum of € 5,331 (salary scale 10) gross per month for a full-time position
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
- attractive secondary terms of employment
- the position is classified in accordance with the University Job Classification (UFO) system; the UFO profile is Researcher 4 in combination with Teacher 4
- a temporary contract of 1.0 FTE for a period of 15 months.

Intended starting date: 1 September 2025

Prof. dr. Goda Perlaviciute, Professor Environmental Psychology
[email protected]

Environmental Psychology