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Faculty of mechanical engineering:
Chair of Energy Systems and Energy Economics
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%, part-time work is possible) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for 1
Research associate / PhD student (m/f/x)
The energy transition consists of step-by-step transformation decisions that span across decades and involve numerous stakeholders with diverging interests. Therefore, it requires innovative, model-based decision support. The Chair of Energy Systems and Energy Economics supports achieving an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable energy system in Germany, Europe and the World. For this purpose, we develop scientifically sound methods and provide evidence for improved and informed decision-making on future energy system design and operation. We pursue the principles of research excellence and policy-relevance.
As a research associate and PhD student (m/f/x), you will conduct research on energy system transition pathways under conflicting interests, using innovative modelling and optimisation methods.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-03-30
Your tasks:
- Develop and use innovative optimisation methods and modelling workflows for energy transition pathways under conflicting interests
- Develop and realise your own research ideas in line with the research project OPTIMA (Open Toolbox for Modeling and Integration of dynamic-recursive Modelling to Generate Alternatives in Energy System Models) and the chair’s vision
- Collaborate with colleagues at the chair as well as partners within the OPTIMA project across Germany
- Publish the results of your work in leading international peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences
- The preparation of a PhD thesis is explicitly supported and desired
- Supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses that align with your research interests is explicitly supported
- Support developing research proposals for the acquisition of third-party funding and thus help shape future research priorities
Your profile:
- A university degree (Master's degree or diploma) with honours in a mathematical-scientific field (e.g. mathematics, physics, informatics) or in an engineering or economic field with a strong quantitative modelling component (e.g. environmental engineering, industrial engineering, quantitative economics and management)
- Strong structured and analytical way of thinking, proven ability to work on your own initiative as well as in a team
- Excellent communication, presentation and writing skills
- Very good command of written and spoken English; Command of German is an advantage
- Interest in interdisciplinary, energy economic and energy policy issues
- Skills in operations research and programming (e.g. Python, GAMS, Julia) are an advantage
- Experience in energy system modelling and energy economics are an advantage
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Extensive training and professional development opportunities, Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking), Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, A qualified on-boarding and induction process
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E 13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
Please provide a cover letter, a CV and copies of transcripts and certificates as application documents.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Valentin Bertsch , Tel.: +49 234 32 26357
Dr.-Ing Jonas Finke , Tel.: +49 234 32 26849
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-03-30. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5514.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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