PhD Position Modelling Global Material and Financial Bottlenecks in the Clean Energy Transition

Develop models to trace global material and financial flows, uncover bottlenecks, and assess how resource and investment constraints shape pathways to a feasible clean energy transition.

Job description

The pace of the global energy transition will be determined not only by technology readiness but also by the world's capacity to supply critical minerals and mobilize affordable capital amid volatile geopolitics. Shortages, trade frictions, and financial mismatches can stall otherwise viable tipping dynamics and establish carbon-intensive lock-ins.

This PhD position focuses on developing an agent-based inspired module that maps global flows of key materials (e.g., lithium, copper, nickel, tin), climate-finance streams, and trade relationships to derive feasibility and lock-in indicators of alternative transitions to clean energy technologies. Coupled to an existing family of climate-energy-economic models, called Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), the module will quantify how resource scarcity, investment risk, and coordination failures reshape decarbonization pathways. Your research will combine methods from network analysis and agent-based modelling of economic systems to trace how international material and financial interdependencies support or limit the feasibility of a clean energy transition.

Your key tasks will include:

• Designing and implementing an agent-based inspired model of global material and financial networks;
• Deriving and analyzing quantitative indicators of feasibility, scarcity, and lock-in risk associated with trade and investment flows bottlenecks;
• Coupling the module to existing climate-energy-economic models to assess alternative transition pathways under varying geopolitical and financial scenarios;
• Evaluating trade-offs across feasibility, equity, and robustness dimensions of the energy transition.

Your work environment

You will carry out this research as part of the ERC-funded RIPPLE project, led by Professor Giacomo Marangoni, and embedded within the Policy Analysis section of the Multi-Actor Systems department. You'll collaborate with an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of simulation, optimization, and policy modelling. You will also connect with TU Delft's strong internal network on climate action, particularly through the Climate Action Programme and its Climate Governance theme.

TU Delft offers you a dynamic, international research environment with excellent facilities and support for your academic and professional development. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs and equipment to help develop your research. The environment is open and collaborative, promoting daily interaction and knowledge exchange. With minimal hierarchical barriers, you’ll benefit from strong mentorship and tailored training. Professional growth is a priority, ensuring your success in academia.

Job requirements

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Computer Science, Engineering, Policy Analysis, Economics, Environmental Science) with demonstrated proficiency in coding and/or quantitative analysis.
• Interest in agent-based modelling, network analysis, computational economics, systems thinking, and climate-related challenges.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language used for scientific or analytical purposes, e.g., Python.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal. For more information about English requirements, please see: Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
• A curiosity-driven mindset and a passion for doing research.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Giacomo Marangoni via g.marangoni@tudelft.nl.