PhD-researcher Modelling Hydrogen Infrastructure Investment Decisions Using Real Options Theory
Utrecht University (Netherlands)
Within the project 'Socio-Economic Modelling and Simulation of Hydrogen Infrastructure Development Strategies', Utrecht University offers two PhD positions.
This project is part of the NWO/ACTS sustainable hydrogen program. This is a joint project between the Innovation Studies Group and the Utrecht School of Economics.
The Innovation Studies Group is young and ambitious and involved in teaching and research in innovation. The group is part of the Department of Innovation and Environmental Sciences of the Faculty of Geosciences and consists of 14 faculty members, 5 postdocs and 13 PhD students. Innovation Studies starts from a multi-disciplinary perspective and links insights from science with social sciences in order to effectively capture the many folded character of innovation processes and systems. In its research and teaching, the Innovation Studies Group distinguishes
three focal points: energy and materials, mobility and infrastructure and medical biotechnology. The group participates in the Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation and in a number of national and international networks.
Utrecht School of Economics (USE) is part of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance of Utrecht University, one of the most reputable research universities in the Netherlands and Europe. USE presently has approximately 900 bachelor’s and master’s students and about 100 faculty employees. USE aims at world-standard economic teaching and research while encouraging multidisciplinary approaches and
giving special attention to institutional, historical and spatial dimensions. In its activities, USE crosses disciplinary borders by collaborating actively with the faculties of Law, Geosciences, Social Science and History. USE maintains active international relationships and teaches its curricula in both Dutch and English. USE has two teaching institutes, the Undergraduate School and the Graduate School.
Scientific research at USE falls under its third institute, the Tjalling C. Koopmans Institute (TKI).
For one of the two available PhD positions, the Innovation Studies Group and the Utrecht School of Economics invites applications for a position of PhD-researcher Modelling Hydrogen Infrastructure Investment Decisions Using Real Options Theory (1,0 fte)
Job description
This project aims to apply real options theory to model uncertainties connected with the transition process towards a hydrogen infrastructure. Since the transition process is characterized by many interrelated phases, the project models the staged development process of a hydrogen infrastructure by using a real options framework. We will explicitly disentangle and model three different sources of uncertainty
(technological, economic and institutional uncertainties) , in contrast with a standard real options approach that mostly lumps together different sources of uncertainty into one parameter. We furthermore extend the basic real option theory by including network effects, which are not present in standard business projects. Finally, we develop the optimal timing for the introduction and the development speed of hydrogen infrastructure in the Netherlands.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position has good analytical skills, a strong quantitative background (e.g. in financial modelling or financial econometrics) and a good knowledge of option theory. Experience with programming and/or mathematical software (such as Matlab) is a plus. The PhD student combines an interest in applied research with an interest to work in an interdisciplinary group of researchers and can communicate with a non-technical audience. Highly qualified students that will
shortly obtain a Master’s degree are also encouraged to apply.
Terms of employment
We offer a temporary fulltime position of a year with - at good performance - the prospect of an extension with a maximum of three years (in total 4 years fulltime). The extent of this position is 38 hours a week (1,0 fte). The gross monthly salary increases from € 2,000.- in year 1 to € 2,558.- in year 4. In addition, we offer good fringe benefits. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of
the Dutch Universities.
Further details
For more information about this position, please contact:
Dr. mr. P.J. Engelen (p.engelen @ econ.uu.nl)
Dr. T. Poot (T.Poot @ geo.uu.nl)
How to apply
Applications, including a motivation for this position and a curriculum vitae should be submitted to the Faculty of Geosciences, Personnel Departement, P.O. Box 80.115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands, or submitted by e-mail to: PenO @ geo.uu.nl. Please mention vacancy number: 72093.
Application deadline: February 15, 2008
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