Post Doctoral Fellow on Modelling Dynamics of Critical Transitions, Faculty of Science

Description

Description of Research:

Disruptive innovations can be deployed quickly - reshaping markets through rapid uptake with seemingly little warning after years of little activity and leading to the stylized "S" curves for new technology adoption.
The proposed postdoc will explore the application of models from ecological systems to energy/technology transitions using real world data on previous transitions (eg EV adoption in Norway as a function of cost). For example, this will include modelling the adoption rate as the outcome of a dynamical model with two equilibrium points yielding a sigmoidal adoption curve through time, as well as exploration of the novel theory that delays in adoption described qualitatively as elements of carbon lock-in can be modelled quantitatively as processes that create stability within the complex ecosystems.

Supervision:

The successful applicant will be supervised by Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon, a macro energy system researcher studying how low-carbon energy transitions happen at the intersection of technology, business, and policy and how policy responses can improve outcomes. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment, and The School of Public Policy, and the Director of the Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) program at the University of Calgary. Professor Hastings-Simon a transdisciplinary scholar with interests in large scale structural policy and energy issues.

Mentorship and collaboration on this project will be provided by Dr. Alan Hastings, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UC Davis. Professor Hastings specializes in theoretical ecology and population biology.

The position:

A 2 year fully funded position is available at University of Calgary in the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment in the Faculty of Science. We are looking for a postdoc with experience in mathematical modelling techniques, preferably ecological/biological population dynamic modelling, and interest in energy systems (no direct energy experience necessary). The candidate should have experience with academic publications, ideally with a published primary or co-authored research paper. A list of publications should be included in the resume. Opportunities will be available to work with interdisciplinary collaborators as well as to explore policy implications of results (if of interest, not required).

Please submit your application online via the 'Apply Now' link. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments. The four attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents):

Review of applications will commence April 26, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

For a listing of all academic opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Science, click here.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.