PhD Researcher in Energy Governance and Economic Uncertainty

The Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) are seeking a motivated PhD researcher for a collaborative doctoral partnership. The project investigates the economic aspects of energy governance, specifically focusing on decision-making under deep uncertainty for emerging technologies like small modular nuclear reactors. The candidate will apply a post-normal science framework to develop robust decision-support tools and quality assessment methodologies. This position involves a multi-year mobility scheme, with the first year based in Barcelona and subsequent years at the JRC in Karlsruhe. The successful applicant will engage directly with international policy actors and contribute to socially robust energy policy development.

• Develop a methodological framework for assessing the quality of economic characteristics of new energy infrastructures.
• Apply post-normal science approaches to evaluate energy infrastructure lifecycle contributions to society.
• Test and refine quality assessment methodologies through case studies on nuclear builds and small modular reactors.
• Develop technology-neutral procedures for quality assessment in energy policy.
• Transfer research results and findings to relevant policy actors and international organizations.
• Collaborate with researchers at the JRC and participate in the European Industrial Alliance for SMRs.