Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) in Austria is inviting applications for three PhD positions in the Energy Transition and Climate Futures research group, led by Founding Professor Falko Ueckerdt. The group focuses on interdisciplinary research to address the challenges of transitioning energy systems toward climate neutrality. Research areas include renewable energy, deep electrification, hydrogen, circular economy, and the transformation of energy-intensive industries such as steel and chemical production. The group employs advanced computational modeling and policy-relevant research to explore technological and policy solutions for sustainable energy systems. Methodologies include global transformation pathways, material flow analysis, and techno-economic assessments, leveraging tools like REMIND, flodym, REMIND-MFA, and PyPSA. The research aims to generate actionable scientific insights that inform energy transition and climate policy debates. Candidates with backgrounds in environmental science, engineering, computational modeling, or policy research are encouraged to apply. The positions offer the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of technology, policy, and sustainability. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the call closes on 31 January 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official IT:U website or the provided application link.

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U), Austria’s first public interdisciplinary university, is offering three full-time PhD positions in the field of Energy Transition and Climate Futures. These positions are part of the IT:U Doctoral School’s PhD-Program COMPUTATIONAL X, located on-site in Linz, Austria, with a start date in March 2026. The program is led by Professor Falko Ueckerdt, a renowned expert in energy systems and climate policy, who regularly publishes in high-impact journals such as Nature Energy. The research group focuses on the scientific and policy challenges of transitioning energy systems toward climate neutrality. Students will contribute to developing and evaluating technological and policy solutions for renewable energy, deep electrification, hydrogen, and circular economy. The group employs advanced computational modeling and policy-relevant research to explore sustainable transitions for energy systems, heavy industries, and societies. PhD candidates will have the opportunity to shape their thesis topics in alignment with their interests, the group’s strategy, and broader societal needs. IT:U offers a structured 4-year PhD program emphasizing scientific growth, personal development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The first year includes focused group work, research lab modules, and Project Integrated Courses (PICS), culminating in a PhD Proposal Presentation. The following years involve thesis development, interdisciplinary seminars, and project assistant work, concluding with thesis submission and defense. The program provides innovative working conditions, a supportive and diverse team, and strong international collaboration with leading institutions such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, TU Berlin, University of Oxford, and Monash University. Students will have opportunities for research stays abroad and to present at international conferences. Responsibilities include conducting research using computational models and tools, publishing scientific papers, presenting at conferences, collaborating across disciplines, contributing to teaching, and supporting third-party funding applications. Candidates will engage with stakeholders from industry, policymaking, and civil society, translating research into actionable insights for energy transition and climate policy debates. Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (energy and climate studies, computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, economics, system sciences, etc.), strong interest in energy system transformation and climate change mitigation, programming skills, and basic computational modeling knowledge. Experience with techno-economic analysis or scenario modeling is advantageous. Independent work, team orientation, and strong English communication skills (CEFR C1 or equivalent) are required. Funding includes a gross monthly salary from EUR 3,714.80 (full-time, 40h), complimentary office kitchen supplies, and the Austrian KlimaTicket Ö for unlimited public transport. The university values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. To apply, complete the online form at https://apply.it-u.at/ and upload your CV, diplomas, transcripts, motivational letter, programming experience (with git link if available), and up to three contacts for recommendations. Optional: upload your final secondary-school transcript. For questions, contact Prof. Falko Ueckerdt at [email protected] with your CV. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline of 31 January 2026. IT:U is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants regardless of age, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or origin.

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) in Linz, Austria, is offering two full-time postdoctoral positions in Energy System & Industry Transformation Modelling. As a new technical university dedicated to digital transformation, IT:U fosters interdisciplinary research and project-based learning to address the challenges of climate neutrality and energy transition. The positions are part of the Energy Transition and Climate Futures research group, led by Prof. Dr. Falko Ueckerdt, with strong ties to leading international research institutions such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Fraunhofer ISI, Technical University Berlin, University of Oxford, Monash University, and Tsinghua University. The research group focuses on generating scientific insights to guide the transformation towards renewable energy, deep electrification, hydrogen, climate-friendly materials (steel, chemicals), and a circular economy. The team combines advanced computational modelling with policy-relevant research to explore sustainable futures for energy systems, heavy industries, and societies. Postdoctoral researchers will contribute to collaborative code development, data analysis, publishing high-impact papers, supervising PhD and MA students, presenting at international conferences, collaborating with research partners, academic teaching, preparing funding applications, and communicating research results to industry and policymakers. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (computer science, data science, applied mathematics, physics, economics, engineering, environmental/climate/energy science, or related fields) and demonstrate programming experience (Python or R preferred). Experience with computational modelling, research software development, collaborative code projects using Git, energy systems analysis (e.g., PyPSA), scenario modelling, material flow analysis, or integrated assessment modelling is advantageous. Strong analytical skills, English proficiency (C1), and a record of scientific publication and presentation are required. Successful candidates will benefit from scientific growth, structured career development, international collaboration, and opportunities for research stays abroad. The working environment includes cozy office spaces, access to IT:U’s high-performance computing cluster, free parking or Climate Ticket Upper Austria, flexible working hours, and remote office options. The university values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Competitive compensation starts from €67,000 yearly gross salary, with positions available for up to 4 years. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and positions remain open until filled. To apply, submit your CV (including grades and programming experience), cover letter, PhD certificate, certificates and transcripts, and 2-3 references via the online portal. For questions about the research group, contact Prof. Dr. Falko Ueckerdt at [email protected]. For administrative queries, contact Dr. David Bancelin at [email protected]. Join IT:U and contribute to cutting-edge research on energy system transformation, industry decarbonization, and climate futures in a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary academic environment.