PhD Position on Positive Tipping Points in Technological Innovation for the Clean Energy Transition
Use modelling to accelerate the green transition! Study how innovation triggers tipping points in the shift to clean energy. Join a diverse team creating tools supporting faster climate action.
Job description
Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) shape the current discussion on the global response to climate change by providing support to policymaking with their combined representation of natural and techno-economic systems. Although ever-improving, these models still overlook important feedback loops related to technological change, which can either reinforce lock-ins to unsustainable patterns or accelerate the transition towards a green economy. By advancing these models, your research will improve decision-support systems for energy planning and climate policy, fostering clean energy solutions and supporting TU Delft’s mission for a more sustainable future.
In this PhD position, you will develop a dedicated IAM module to study the emergence of technological tipping points, such as rapid cost reductions or large-scale diffusion of green energy technologies, under varying policy, socio-economic and technological progress scenarios. The module will help identify the conditions under which innovation can accelerate decarbonization progress in sectors such as power, storage, transport, industry, and buildings. Your key tasks will include:
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designing and implementing a technological change module that includes self-reinforcing mechanisms;
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identifying and analysing key uncertainties in innovation pathways;
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coupling the new module with existing Integrated Assessment Models;
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studying how R&D, economies of scale, and learning-by-doing influence tipping points;
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exploring implications for policy, investment, and international cooperation.
Your work environment
You will carry out this research as part of the ERC-funded RIPPLE project, led by Professor Giacomo Marangoni, and embedded within the Policy Analysis section of the Multi-Actor Systems department. You’ll collaborate with an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of simulation, optimization, and policy modelling. You will also connect with TU Delft’s strong internal network on climate action, particularly through the Climate Action Programme and its Climate Governance theme.
TU Delft offers you a dynamic, international research environment with excellent facilities and support for your academic and professional development.
You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs and equipment to help develop your research. The environment is open and collaborative, promoting daily interaction and knowledge exchange. With minimal hierarchical barriers, you’ll benefit from strong mentorship and tailored training. Professional growth is a priority, ensuring your success in academia.
Job requirements
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Computer Science, Engineering, Policy Analysis, Economics, Environmental Science) with demonstrated proficiency in coding and/or quantitative analysis.
- Interest in computational modelling, systems thinking, and climate-related challenges.
- Proficiency in at least one programming language used for scientific or analytical purposes, e.g., Python.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal. For more information about English requirements, please see: https://www.tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/phd/admission
- A curiosity-driven mindset and a passion for doing research.
TU Delft
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Technology, Policy and Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Giacomo Marangoni via g.marangoni@tudelft.nl. For more information about the application procedure, please send an e-mail to recruitment-tbm@tudelft.nl.
After an initial selection, a first round of online interviews will be planned in the first two weeks after the deadline.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 19 September 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV).
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One-page motivation letter indicating how your research interests and experience fit the call.
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Half-page exercise: Select one peer-reviewed article from a reputable academic journal that examines a case featuring a self-reinforcing shift toward a cleaner energy system. Write max two sentences for each point below:
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Describe one mechanism underlying the self-reinforcing dynamics.
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Describe one policy lever that could accelerate that mechanism.
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Reflect on the potential role that innovation could play.
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Reflect on the implications of scaling the case to national or global levels.
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Diplomas/degrees including a grade transcript of previous education at Bachelor and Master level (or preliminary grade transcript if still finishing up your MSc).
You can address your application to Giacomo Marangoni and Jan Kwakkel.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
- For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services