PhD Studentship in Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London An International Comparison of the Effectiveness of Energy Innovation Systems The Centre for Environmental (CEP) at Imperial College London hosts the Research Councils UK (RCUK) Energy Strategy Fellowship. Led by the Strategy Fellow, Professor Jim Skea, the four-person Fellowship team has been charged with producing a prospectus for future energy research activities supported through the RCUK Energy Programme. The team is working closely with the Research Councils, the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Energy Technologies Institute and other key stakeholders to produce this prospectus by autumn 2013. In October 2013, the Fellowship team will then embark on an ambitious research programme aimed at assessing the effectiveness of energy innovation systems across different countries and technologies. Energy R&D is currently undergoing a renaissance worldwide driven by concerns about climate change, access to energy and energy security. The specific objectives of the research are to: map out systems of energy innovation for a range of countries and technologies; attempt to measure the effectiveness of these different arrangements; and compare different approaches with a view to learning lessons for successful energy research and innovation policy. The methods will include: the mapping of systems of energy innovation through documentary analysis and field trips; the development of metrics referring to their effectiveness; and subsequent analysis aimed at learning lessons for successful energy research and innovation policy. The research will run through to the end of the Fellowship in April 2017. We are seeking to recruit a PhD student starting in October 2013 to augment the Fellowship team. The thesis topic must fall broadly within the remit of the overall research programme but the specific focus would be negotiated with Professor Skea. The disciplinary underpinning for the work would lie in Science and Technology Studies (STS) literature, which includes well established work on national systems of innovation (e.g. Nelson and Winter), as well as later work on technological transitions (e.g. Geels, Foxon). Applications are welcomed from those with some grounding in STS, probably obtained at the masters level. However, many STS researchers have migrated from science or engineering disciplines and we would also welcome applications from candidates with first degrees relevant to energy who can demonstrate that they are willing and able, with guidance, to read their way into the STS literature. As some of the field work is likely to be carried out in East Asia, some facility with Mandarin Chinese would be a distinct advantage though not an absolute requirement. Imperial College London will support the studentship at home (EU) rates including a stipend of £15,600 per annum and a £1,000 per annum research support grant. Well qualified overseas students with access to their own financial support are also welcome to apply. Candidates would be enrolled in CEP’s PhD programme and will receive the full level of support and training offered. Eligibility: Applicants should have or expect a good (I or II(i)) honours degree (or an equivalent degree) in a subject that is relevant to energy or should have a masters level qualification in the STS field. Excellent English language skills are required. How to apply: Applicants should apply using Imperial College London’s online application system at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/howtoapplypg. In addition, applicants should send their CV and a note of up to two pages setting out their interest in the research area and how they would go about selecting and pursuing a PhD dissertation topic within the broad research area to rcep.energystrategy@imperial.ac.uk. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed either in person or by Skype. Further Information: For further details about the Energy Strategy Fellowship, please visit http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/icept/ourresearchactivities/rcukenergyprogramme. For more information about PhD studies at the Centre for Environmental Policy, visit: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/environmentalpolicy/phd/opportunities. For any other queries please contact rcep.energystrategy@imperial.ac.uk in the first instance.