Senior Researcher in Resilience Energy and Raw Materials Transition

Senior Researcher in Resilience for the Energy and Raw Materials Transition

Are you passionate about contributing to a sustainable and resilient energy future? Then we are looking for you.

Recent geopolitical tensions have demonstrated that energy systems can be vulnerable to external shocks, such as disruptions in energy supply chains that lead to rising energy prices. Conventional energy systems are particularly susceptible because they rely on the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels across often lengthy supply routes.

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is frequently presented as a solution, as energy production and consumption are generally located closer together. However, a system largely based on renewable energy also introduces new vulnerabilities. The production of wind turbines and solar panels is concentrated in a limited number of countries, which themselves depend on the extraction and transport of critical raw materials from other parts of the world.

As a result, the energy transition creates new supply chains, each with its own risks and vulnerabilities.

These and other emerging challenges highlight the need for dedicated research into the resilience of renewable energy supply chains.

From both legal and economic perspectives, the focus of resilience has shifted from merely maintaining physical infrastructure to ensuring continuity of supply and market stability. This means that grid operators and other key stakeholders have a legal responsibility to protect critical systems against major external disruptions, such as geopolitical crises or extreme price volatility. The ultimate goal is to safeguard vital infrastructure while minimizing societal costs and welfare losses.

The Resilience research area at Entrance takes an integrated approach, investigating societal, legal, economic, and technical system vulnerabilities to develop effective solutions. We support governments, businesses, knowledge institutions, NGOs, and citizens in addressing real-world challenges, where vulnerabilities rarely occur as isolated or clearly defined issues.

This research area connects multiple professorships within the integrated research theme Local and Regional Energy Strategies (LRES), including:

• Legal and Economic Issues in the Energy Transition
• Communication
• Sustainable Behaviour
• System Integration
• Wind Energy
• Life Sciences & Renewable Energy

As a Senior Researcher in Resilience for the Energy and Raw Materials Transition, you will contribute to innovative, practice-oriented research aimed at strengthening the resilience of society.

You will work within a multidisciplinary research team led by several Professors (Lectors). In collaboration with the Professors, research coordinators, and programme manager, you will develop a strategic vision for resilience research and establish new research lines.

• Developing research proposals and securing external research funding.
• Building and leading research consortia with academic and societal partners.
• Actively participating in ongoing and new applied research projects.
• Leading and mentoring members of the research team.
• Supervising bachelor's and master's students.
• Collaborating closely with researchers across Entrance.
• Publishing research findings in relevant academic and professional journals and media.
• Translating research outcomes into tangible societal impact.

You will also be responsible for safeguarding the quality of research and contributing to education within bachelor's and master's programmes in economics and law, particularly in relation to the energy and raw materials transition.

You thrive in an agile, interdisciplinary environment centred on knowledge creation, innovation, and societal impact, and you will make an essential contribution to strengthening regional resilience.

Entrance – Centre of Expertise Energy is part of the Engineering, Life Sciences & ICT cluster at Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

As a learning, practice-oriented knowledge community, Entrance contributes to a robust, resilient, and sustainable energy system. Through high-quality applied research and education, we stimulate sustainable innovation in collaboration with citizens, businesses, students, public organisations, and governments.

Guided by the principle of "People in Power," we promote active engagement in the energy transition to help build a more sustainable society.

You are a critical thinker with strong reflective skills and are motivated to help shape and advance resilience research within the energy transition.

You have:

• A PhD in economics, law, or a closely related discipline, with the ability to bridge legal and economic perspectives.
• Affinity with European policy and legislation (an advantage).
• At least 10 years of relevant research and professional experience.
• Experience with transdisciplinary research.
• A proven track record in developing research programmes, securing external funding, leading…