In recent years, hydrogen is promoted as a versatile energy carrier expected to complement electrification efforts in enabling a profound transformation of energy systems and industry sectors, aimed at mitigating climate change. Still, the future role of hydrogen in the energy and raw materials systems may take very different forms, depending on technological, (geo)political, economic and social developments, ranging from regional to global scales. How these systems will take shape, in terms of technologies, infrastructures, (geo)spatial distribution, scale and related investment needs matters for how and which stakeholders are affected, who gains or loses power, and how benefits and burdens are distributed. Moreover, it affects which technical and geopolitical path dependencies and, on the other hand, which potential for adaptability emerges.
As the successful candidate you will compare different system configurations with regard to their socio-political impacts, their potential for adaptability and how stakeholders try to anticipate and cope with the related uncertainties. Methods will include qualitative interviews and scenario workshops. 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 the responsible design of electrolyzer materials.
Information and application
Please apply here no later than October 16, 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.
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.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
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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