The Department of Technology Management and Economics (TME) broadly researches the interaction between technology development, industrial systems, society, people and the environment. The research can be divided into three main research areas, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain & Operations Management and Sustainability & Society Studies. The department is organized in six divisions for research and teaching and one support function and it hosts four research centres and the Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship. Our research is linked to several of Chalmers' Areas of Advance.
Information about the division and the research
The Department of Technology Management and Economics at Chalmers University of Technology is looking for two PhD students in Environmental history/Energy humanities. The positions are placed at the Division of Science, Technology and Society (STS). The division researches and teaches History of Technology, History of Science, Environmental Humanities, Science and Technology Studies, Policy Studies, Industrial Dynamics and Ethics.
We offer two positions in two different projects funded by the Swedish Energy Agency:
1) Swedish petroculture: lessons for transitioning to a sustainable energy system (led by Anna Åberg): The research focus of this PhD-project is the history of Swedish petroculture. In order to transition from one energy system to a profoundly different one, it is at least as important to understand the social and cultural aspects of the transition process as it is to develop necessary technologies. This project will identify key aspects of how and why a dependence on oil was established in Sweden – including central actors, narrative frameworks, and decisive policies – as well as how and where it persists today, despite attempts to transition to more sustainable energy sources.
2) Men and energy. Studying different masculinities and technology within the energy sector (led by Martin Hultman): Historically, energy has up until this day been a very unequal sector dominated by men. The research in this PhD will extend and expand the foundational work done by ecofeminists developing new theory about masculinities in connection to energy; it will innovate further a theoretical framework with three concepts (or figurations) of ‘industrial/breadwinner masculinities’, ‘ecomodern masculinities’ and ’ecological masculinities’ in relation to historical and/or contemporary cases studies.
Major responsibilities
As a PhD candidate, your major responsibility is to pursue doctoral studies in relation to a specific research aim. At large, PhD studies include a number of doctoral courses, literature reviews, designing research studies, collecting and analysing empirical data, and communicating the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The exact focus of the work will be decided in interaction with the main supervisor.
As a PhD candidate you take an active role in the specific research project in preparing for and collecting empirical data, conducting analysis and presenting results. Results are expected to continuously be presented at seminars and international conferences.
The position may also include teaching in Chalmers undergraduate level courses, supervising student projects or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.
Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.
Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD candidate you must have a Master's degree with a minimum of 90 Swedish credits in History of Technology, History of Science, History of Ideas, Economic History, History, Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Studies or other relevant fields, or a MSc level degree in Engineering. Additional qualifications for applicants with a MSc level Engineering degree are: Master's thesis on a historical subject, particularly History of Science or History of Technology, as well as courses in History of Science, History of Technology or corresponding.
The Master’s degree has to be obtained at the start of the PhD-employment (planned for September 1, 2019).
Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
For the application procedure see here.
Application deadline: 30 April, 2019
For questions, please contact:
Regarding “Swedish petroculture”:
Assistant Professor Anna Åberg, STS,
E-mail: anna.aberg@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 731 431399
Regarding “Men and energy”:
Associate Professor Martin Hultman, STS,
E-mail: martin.hultman@chalmers.se
Phone: 0709-450 112
For general questions:
Associate Professor Karl Palmås, Head of Unit, STS,
E-mail: karl.palmas@chalmers.se
