Are you passionate about advancing the transition to sustainable transport and energy systems? We are seeking a highly motivated postdoc to join our research team in the rapidly developing scientific area of hydrogen technology through environmental and energy systems analysis.
Our research aims to provide long-term, and most often global, perspectives on future renewable fuels for transport. We seek to rigorously analyze the feasibility of energy transitions, utilize empirical as well as estimated data, and explore whether and under what conditions changes can occur as well as the cost-effectiveness and environmental effects of such changes. Research tools include techno-economic assessments, life cycle assessment, and cost-minimizing models where all energy sectors compete for the same primary energy sources in a future carbon constrained world.
The position will be hosted by the Maritime Environmental Sciences division at the Department of Environmental and Energy Sciences. Our research team, presently consisting of three senior researchers, four doctoral students, and two postdocs, is embedded in an interdisciplinary environment where we have close collaboration with other research teams at Chalmers such as technology experts, systems engineers, natural and social scientists carrying out research on solutions to major environmental challenges. We also collaborate with international organizations within academia and industry.
To reduce climate impact from transport, technologies such as electrification, hydrogen, electrofuels and biofuels are being developed. In this position, focus lies on hydrogen, as part of a larger collaboration project, HyLo, demonstrating hydrogen trucks and refueling infrastructure. The position will also be part of Technologies and innovations for a future green hydrogen economy (TechForH2) competence center.
Greenhouse gas emissions stem from the energy required to operate different processes and from material choices, and vary depending on the pathways through which different hydrogen production, distribution, storage, and refueling infrastructure options are combined. Recent research has identified that hydrogen leaked into the atmosphere, although not being a greenhouse gas itself, has an indirect global warming impact. Assuming 30% leakage rate and a GWP100 of 10 for leaked hydrogen, the total carbon footprint can double for the entire hydrogen supply chain. Thus, the leakage rate and the hydrogen production pathways are key leverages to reach a clear climate benefit from a large-scale transition to a hydrogen economy.
The aim of this project is to assess the carbon footprint of, and carry out a techno-economic assessment to compare the costs for, different pathways of the entire hydrogen supply chain, with a special focus on hydrogen infrastructure and refueling stations, for trucks and aircraft, as well as to better understand the impact from hydrogen leakages and to assess what role hydrogen may play in achieving cost-effective, energy-efficient and sustainable transport.
- A doctoral degree, or an equivalent foreign degree, in a relevant field such as environmental science, environmental economy, applied mathematics, or energy technology, with a specialization in energy systems analysis, energy modelling, life cycle assessment or energy transitions at the graduate level. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Proven experience with data analysis and programming (e.g., GAMS, Matlab, Python, R, or Brightway) is also a must, as well as a strong commitment to scientific inquiry.
- You are a motivated and independent researcher with good analytical skills who is interested in the transport sector transition, interdisciplinary research with a holistic systems perspective.
- We also believe that you have a strong curiosity and a genuine wish to learn and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.
You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.
The following knowledge will strengthen your application:
- It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
- Knowledge of alternative transport fuels is beneficial.
Your main responsibility will be to perform studies assessing the potential role of hydrogen in a systems perspective with focus on economic and environmental aspects. You are expected to contribute to develop existing and new energy system models and/or perform life cycle assessment.
You will be involved in training doctoral students, supervise MSc students and the position may also include teaching on Chalmers' graduate and undergraduate level.
You are expected to have the ability to plan and organize your work and work independently in close collaboration with other group members and project partners. You are, further, expected to, in English, communicate your findings, both in written form and orally at e.g., conferences and to relevant stakeholders.
The position is part of the competence centre TechForH2 focusing on hydrogen for transport in which several doctoral students and postdocs are engaged.
The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.
The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.
The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.
- As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.
If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
- A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
- Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
- An outline of your future goals and research focus.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
We welcome your application no later than 4 October, 2026
Maria Grahn, Associate professor in Energy Systems Analysis, [email protected].
Selma Brynolf, Researcher in Energy and Environmental Systems Assessment, [email protected].
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
