Postdoc position ‘Public discourse and citizen engagement on hydrogen systems’
In recent years, hydrogen technologies have regained high levels of political and societal attention. Hydrogen is promoted as a versatile energy carrier expected to complement electrification efforts in enabling a profound transformation of energy systems and industry sectors, contributing to mitigating climate change. In the Netherlands, policy, industry and academia are working in the national Groenvermogen programme towards creating a sustainable hydrogen system. Yet for whether and how such a transition will unfold, citizens’ perspectives and public debate are essential as well!
At the University of Twente, we are looking for a postdoc candidate who will study public discourse on hydrogen-based systems with a focus on the Netherlands and conduct engagement activities with citizens. Which topics, narratives, frames, controversies, expectations, imaginaries and concerns are being debated, and how do they develop over time? How do citizen perspectives align or differ from industry and policy visions? What may be gaps and missing voices in the societal debate? You will furthermore design and organize public engagement activities, including, for instance, qualitative scenarios and focus groups. The position is embedded in the HySuccess project that is part of the national research and innovation programme Groenvermogen. In addition, you will contribute to a related project that studies hydrogen discourse in the Global South.
Information and application
Please apply here before September 30,2025. The application should include:
- A motivation letter,
- A CV, summarizing your education, previous work experience, publications, and contact details of at least 2 referees,
- A list of all courses attended and grades acquired during your bachelor, master and PhD courses.
For more information about this function, please contact dr. K.E. Konrad, email k.e.konrad@utwente.nl, phone: +31 53 489 3906.
About the department
You will join the Knowledge, Transformation & Society (KITES) section within the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences. KiTeS is an interdisciplinary research group with a strong base in science and technology studies. Furthermore, you will collaborate with colleagues from Communication Science (CS) and Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety (PCRS).
KiTeS is dedicated to analysing and improving the contribution of Knowledge to Transformations in Society to address intersecting societal and environmental challenges, including growing disparities and inequities, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Our group works across diverse disciplines and scholarly fields and draws on critical, historical, participatory, design-oriented, and arts-based methods and approaches. We work in different domains such as science and innovation policy, higher education, and environmental governance and we collaborate closely with policy makers, social movements and grassroots organisations, cultural institutions, scientists and engineers, and business and financial institutions. Guided by values of justice, pluralism, sustainability, and care, our work is aimed at creating spaces for collaboration, critical analysis, reflection, and learning.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.
At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.
As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.
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