Anna Wieczorek

This postdoctoral position at Tilburg University is part of the SYNERGY project, a collaborative research initiative funded by NWO that investigates the role of social dynamics in the energy transition. The project brings together a consortium of Dutch universities and societal partners to explore how firms can collectively contribute to decentralized, sustainable energy systems. The postdoc will focus on work package 2, which examines governance arrangements for energy hub platforms—smartly controlled, decentralized energy systems established in business parks where multiple companies coordinate the generation, storage, and consumption of renewable energy. Digital platforms are central to these hubs, enabling energy sharing, reducing grid congestion, and enhancing sustainability. The research will analyze governance models, including decision-making processes, coordination mechanisms, and the allocation of roles and risks among participating actors, with practical connections to energy hubs in Noord-Brabant and other regions. Key responsibilities include writing high-quality research papers, co-developing decision-making tools for stakeholders, organizing workshops for academics and practitioners, participating in conferences and consortium meetings, and leading knowledge exchange activities. The position is embedded in the Department of Organization Studies at Tilburg University, with additional affiliation to the Academic Collaborative Center for Climate and Energy. Supervision is provided by Dr. Francesca Ciulli (Tilburg University), Prof. Anna Wieczorek (Eindhoven University of Technology), and Dr. Christina Bidmon (Utrecht University). The postdoc will benefit from a wide network of academics, policymakers, and practitioners, and work in a collaborative research environment focused on sustainability and digitalization. Funding details are not specified, and applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field with experience in governance, sustainability, or energy systems.

This postdoctoral position at Tilburg University is part of the SYNERGY project, a collaborative research initiative funded by NWO that investigates the role of social dynamics in the energy transition. The project brings together researchers from several Dutch universities and societal partners to explore how firms can collectively contribute to decentralized, sustainable energy systems. The postdoc will focus on work package 2, which examines governance arrangements for energy hub platforms—smartly controlled, decentralized energy systems in business parks where companies coordinate the generation, storage, and consumption of renewable energy. Digital platforms are central to enabling energy sharing, reducing grid congestion, and enhancing sustainability among business end-users. The research will analyze governance models, including decision-making processes, coordination mechanisms, and the allocation of roles and risks among participating actors, with practical connections to energy hubs in Noord-Brabant and other regions. The position involves writing at least one high-quality research paper, co-developing a decision-making tool for stakeholders, organizing workshops for academics and practitioners, participating in conferences and consortium meetings, and leading co-creation and knowledge exchange activities. The postdoc will be embedded in the Department of Organization Studies at Tilburg University and affiliated with the Academic Collaborative Center for Climate and Energy, with regular visits to co-supervisors at Eindhoven University of Technology and Utrecht University. The role offers access to a broad network of academics, policymakers, and practitioners, and a supportive, collaborative research environment. Applicants must have a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant discipline, proficiency in Dutch and English at CEFR C2 level, expertise in digitalization and sustainability research, strong qualitative and analytical skills, and excellent project management and collaboration abilities. The position is full-time (40 hours/week) for 24 months, with a competitive salary, vacation pay, bonuses, hybrid working options, commuting reimbursement, pension, conference/training budget, moving allowance, and a 30% tax-free allowance for eligible international employees. Applications must be submitted online by October 3, 2025, including a motivation letter, CV, and writing sample in English.