Tilburg University | Tilburg School of Economics & Management

is looking for a

Postdoctoral researcher on Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in Decentralized Energy Solutions

Department: Information Systems & Operations Management
Location: Tilburg
Scientific field: (Supply chain) management, business, procurement
Full time equivalent: 0.8-1.0 FTE (32-40 hours per week)
Duration of employment contract: 24 months
Monthly full-time salary: €4,537 - €6,209 gross
Desired starting date: September 2025

Shaping the future of decentralized energy solutions as a postdoctoral researcher

The transition to a climate-neutral energy system requires fundamental shifts in how we reorganize our energy infrastructure. More decentralized energy solutions (e.g., in neighbourhoods) allow producing, storing and distributing energy more efficiently, alleviating grid congestion and promoting affordable and reliable energy. These solutions do require new forms of collaboration between the various stakeholders involved. For example: traditional bilateral relationships and contracts between governments, energy suppliers, grid operators and users no longer work here, as users will have much more influence on how they collectively produce and use energy. Hence, we need to rethink how to organize such multi-stakeholder collaborations, and what kind of governance mechanisms and contracts effectively support these collaborations in achieving a fair distribution of costs and benefits.

We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to explore how such new forms of collaborations could take shape and how they should be organized. Your research will focus on rethinking the relationships and interdependencies between the various stakeholders involved in these emerging energy solutions, and how different types of governance mechanisms and contracts can support this transition. Are you passionate about the energy transition, network governance and novel forms of collaboration? Do you want to contribute to cutting edge research that will help shape solutions for the energy system of the future? Then we invite you to apply!

Your position

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will join the Joule4Joule project, which is an industry-led consortium which focuses on the energy system of the future. It encompasses a diverse set of stakeholders such as grid operators, governments, energy communities, technology providers and knowledge/research institutes. Together, they work to radically innovate how we produce, store and distribute energy by combining both electricity and heat networks, requiring us to rethink and redevelop existing energy solutions, and the new forms of collaboration through which they can be shaped.

In this project, Tilburg University is involved in a work package related to collaboration and governance of innovative decentralized energy solutions. As a postdoctoral researcher you will be involved in exploring business and management-related questions such as:

• What forms of organizing are desirable for fostering collaboration in decentralized energy solutions?
• How can different types of governance mechanisms (e.g., contracts, trust, cooperative norms) be used to foster collaboration, monitor the process and results thereof, and stimulate alignment and risk sharing, between the multiple and diverse stakeholders involved?
• How can these insights be scaled to other and larger settings?

The focus will be on the self-organization of the stakeholder network by its members. Through empirical research you will play a key role in designing and developing new ways of collaborating in decentralized energy solutions. The candidate is open to shape their research in line with the project objectives using a variety of methodological approaches. Collaboration and alignment with the industry partners involved in Joule4Joule project will be an important element in shaping your research.

This position is embedded within the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management at Tilburg University, a growing high-quality high-impact research group in Tilburg University's School of Economics and Management. The group consists of faculty, lecturers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD candidates, and covers a wide range of research topics and methods (see Faculty). Recently, we have grown substantially in size and in research output, with in particular an outstanding group of junior and mid-career faculty. Our leading faculty publish in premier outlets such as those in the FT50 journal list. In addition, a subset of our PhD projects are sponsored by industry and science council funding, and address directly impactful societal challenges.

Furthermore, the successful candidate will be part of the University-Wide Academic Collaborative Center on Climate and Energy (ACC), where the Joule4Joule project itself is embedded. The ACC brings together various disciplines across the university as well as societal partners to contribute with theoretical knowledge and practical solutions to a socially just energy transition. Being part of such a large network of scholars and practitioners offers a unique opportunity to combine high-level cutting-edge academic research with tangible societal impact, helping to shape the governance of a sustainable energy future. Therefore, a large part of this position is close collaboration with both fellow researchers and diverse societal partners and external stakeholders across different work packages, bridging the gap between academia and practice.

Your profile

We understand that no candidate will meet every single requirement, and we don't want lists to discourage talented applicants. If you're excited about this position but don't tick every box, we still encourage you to apply! In your application, tell us not only about the qualifications you bring but also about the areas you're eager to develop further.

For this position, we are seeking a motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher who:

• Holds (or is close to completing) a PhD in strategic management, operations/ supply chain management, business or a related field.
• Has experience with conducting empirical research in close collaboration with industry partners.
• Has affinity or experience with working on topics related to the energy transition
• Has expertise in sourcing and contracting, collaborative governance and/or network management.
• Possesses strong qualitative research skills and data analytical abilities.
• Thrives in collaboration, seamlessly working with both academic peers and external partners.
• Communicates effectively, presenting ideas clearly and engaging with diverse audiences.
• Speaks Dutch and English.
• Is proactive, independent, and creative, with a vision for innovative research.
• Demonstrates leadership and self-awareness, critically reflecting on both the scientific and societal impact of their work.
• Wants to contribute to Tilburg University's dynamic research community on climate and energy and help build an inspiring work environment.

Our offer

Tilburg University offers an excellent working environment with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including:

• A position of 0.8-1.0 FTE (32 - 40 hours per week) for 24 months,
• A gross monthly salary ranging from € 4,537 to €6,209 for full-time employment, based on the UFO profile Researcher 3 and the salary scale 11. Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience,
• Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%,
• Over eight weeks of vacation leave,
• Hybrid working options, with the opportunity to work partly on campus and partly from home with a home office allowance of €2 per day,
• Reimbursement for sustainable commuting, including walking, cycling, and public transport,
• A monthly internet allowance of €25,
• Flexible benefits, allowing employees to exchange benefits for things such as additional leave, more pension, a bicycle or personal training at our Sports Center through the Options Model,
• A relocation allowance (subject to applicable conditions),
• Eligibility for the 30% tax ruling, providing a tax-free allowance for extraterritorial expenses for foreign employees.
• A pension with ABP, the largest Dutch pension fund.
• Training opportunities, including personal and career development, leadership, education, research and language courses,
• Opportunities for professional development and research funding,
• Access to Tilburg University's extensive network of interdisciplinary experts,
• An inclusive work culture where diversity is embraced, everyone is welcome and given equal opportunities, and
• A vibrant, green campus, easily accessible by public transport.

For more information, see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities.

Information and application

Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact Wendy van der Valk at w.vdrvalk@tilburguniversity.edu.

We kindly invite you to apply before July 30; this can only be done online. Address your cover letter to Wendy van der Valk and attach your resume.

Applications should include:

1. A cover letter detailing your motivation and research interests,
2. A full academic CV,
3. Two academic writing samples (published or unpublished),
4. Contact details of two referees (including name, phone number and email address).

Letter selection is scheduled on date August 1; you will receive notification from us shortly thereafter. The first selection interviews will take place on early August and the second on late August. Due to information security risks, submission of a certificate of good conduct (VOG) is part of the selection procedure.

You will ideally start working for Tilburg University on September 1.

About Tilburg University

Tilburg University is an academic, inclusive, and engaged community. Together with nearly 3,000 employees, we are committed to broad prosperity, sustainably, and inclusion. For current and future generations. We develop and share knowledge for the requirements of people and our society. This is how we contribute to solving complex social issues and help society move forward.

We educate our 19,500 students of 110 nationalities to become responsible leaders with knowledge, skills, and character. With our education and research for broad prosperity, we exceedingly focus on themes such as mental and preventive care, an inclusive labor market, the energy transition, and digitalization.

Department of Information Systems and Operations Management

The Department of Information Systems and Operations Management (ISOM) at Tilburg University combines research excellence with real-world impact, addressing critical challenges in digital transformation, resilient operations, and sustainable supply chain management. Our work supports both profit and non-profit sectors, advancing decision-making, efficiency, and social responsibility in a data-driven world.

Academic Collaborative Center for Climate and Energy

At Tilburg University, researchers and practice partners join forces to drive impactful climate action and energy transition. Through cutting-edge research and real-world solutions, they contribute to a socially just and sustainable future. Since early 2023, the university-wide Academic Collaborative Center (ACC) for Climate & Energy has been the hub for this collaboration. Bringing together over 40 academic researchers from various disciplines and 12 practice partners, ranging from government bodies to grid operators and consumer organisations, the ACC tackles critical challenges in market design and regulation, governance and participation, digitalisation and data-driven innovation, and communication and behaviour. By bridging science and practice, Tilburg University is shaping the future of sustainable energy with knowledge that makes a difference.

Recruitment code

Tilburg University applies the recruitmentcode of the Dutch Association for Personnel Management & Organization Development (NVP).

Disclaimer

The text of this vacancy advertisement is copyright-protected property of Tilburg University. Use, distribution and further disclosure of the advertisement without express permission from Tilburg University is not allowed, and this applies explicitly to use by recruitment and selection agencies which do not act directly on the instructions of Tilburg University. Responses resulting from recruitment by non-contractors of Tilburg Universities will not be handled.