Senior Researcher in Resilience for the Energy and Raw Materials Transition

Are you passionate about contributing to a sustainable and resilient energy future? Then we are looking for you.

Context
Recent geopolitical tensions have demonstrated that energy systems can be vulnerable to external shocks, such as disruptions in energy supply chains that lead to rising energy prices. Conventional energy systems are particularly susceptible because they rely on the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels across often lengthy supply routes.

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is frequently presented as a solution, as energy production and consumption are generally located closer together. However, a system largely based on renewable energy also introduces new vulnerabilities. The production of wind turbines and solar panels is concentrated in a limited number of countries, which themselves depend on the extraction and transport of critical raw materials from other parts of the world. As a result, the energy transition creates new supply chains, each with its own risks and vulnerabilities.

These and other emerging challenges highlight the need for dedicated research into the resilience of renewable energy supply chains.

From both legal and economic perspectives, the focus of resilience has shifted from merely maintaining physical infrastructure to ensuring continuity of supply and market stability. This means that grid operators and other key stakeholders have a legal responsibility to protect critical systems against major external disruptions, such as geopolitical crises or extreme price volatility. The ultimate goal is to safeguard vital infrastructure while minimizing societal costs and welfare losses.

The Resilience research area at Entrance takes an integrated approach, investigating societal, legal, economic, and technical system vulnerabilities to develop effective solutions. We support governments, businesses, knowledge institutions, NGOs, and citizens in addressing real-world challenges, where vulnerabilities rarely occur as isolated or clearly defined issues.

This research area connects multiple professorships within the integrated research theme Local and Regional Energy Strategies (LRES), including:

• Legal and Economic Issues in the Energy Transition
• Communication
• Sustainable Behaviour
• System Integration
• Hydrogen Applications
• Wind Energy
• Life Sciences & Renewable Energy

Your role
As a Senior Researcher in Resilience for the Energy and Raw Materials Transition, you will contribute to innovative, practice-oriented research aimed at strengthening the resilience of society.

You will work within a multidisciplinary research team led by several Professors (Lectors). In collaboration with the Professors, research coordinators, and programme manager, you will develop a strategic vision for resilience research and establish new research lines.

Your responsibilities include:

• Developing research proposals and securing external research funding.
• Building and leading research consortia with academic and societal partners.
• Actively participating in ongoing and new applied research projects.
• Leading and mentoring members of the research team.
• Supervising bachelor's and master's students.
• Collaborating closely with researchers across Entrance.
• Publishing research findings in relevant academic and professional journals and media.
• Translating research outcomes into tangible societal impact.

You will also be responsible for safeguarding the quality of research and contributing to education within bachelor's and master's programmes in economics and law, particularly in relation to the energy and raw materials transition.

You thrive in an agile, interdisciplinary environment centred on knowledge creation, innovation, and societal impact, and you will make an essential contribution to strengthening regional resilience.

About Entrance
Entrance – Centre of Expertise Energy is part of the Engineering, Life Sciences & ICT cluster at Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

As a learning, practice-oriented knowledge community, Entrance contributes to a robust, resilient, and sustainable energy system. Through high-quality applied research and education, we stimulate sustainable innovation in collaboration with citizens, businesses, students, public organisations, and governments.

Guided by the principle of "People in Power," we promote active engagement in the energy transition to help build a more sustainable society.

What we are looking for
You are a critical thinker with strong reflective skills and are motivated to help shape and advance resilience research within the energy transition.

You have:

• A PhD in economics, law, or a closely related discipline, with the ability to bridge legal and economic perspectives.
• Affinity with European policy and legislation (an advantage).
• At least 10 years of relevant research and professional experience.
• Experience with transdisciplinary research.
• A proven track record in developing research programmes, securing external funding, leading research teams, and publishing research.
• A teaching qualification, or the willingness to obtain one.
• Experience with data analysis, modelling, and/or energy systems.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex challenges into practical solutions.

What we offer
This position provides the opportunity to shape your field of expertise while contributing to some of the most pressing challenges of the energy transition.

You will join an ambitious multidisciplinary research environment where you collaborate with Professors, researchers, research coordinators, lecturers, companies, public organisations, and students from a wide range of disciplines. Working with students, who often bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, creates opportunities to explore new directions and develop impactful solutions.

You will also have access to an extensive network of experts within and beyond your own field.

Employment conditions

• Appointment of 0.6–1.0 FTE.
• Initial one-year contract, with a starting date as soon as possible.
• Salary in Scale 12 of the Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences Collective Labour Agreement (CAO-HBO): €5,583 to €7,534 gross per month (full-time), depending on experience. The position is classified as Lecturer-Researcher B.
• 8% holiday allowance.
• 8.3% year-end bonus.
• Up to 53 days of annual leave (full-time), plus sustainable employability hours and home-working facilities.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development through the Hanze PL Academy.

Interested?
For more information about this position, please contact: Wytze van der Gaast, Professor of Economic Issues in the Energy Transition (+31 6 41313906, available from 17 August 2026); or Daisy G. Tempelman, Professor of Legal Issues in the Energy Transition (d.g.tempelman@pl.hanze.nl, available until 31 July 2026). Please do not use this email address for your application (click on Apply-button).

Apply now
Please submit your CV and motivation letter using the online application button.

• Application deadline: 13 September 2026.
• Interviews: Tuesday, 15 September 2026. You will be notified on September 14 whether you have been invited for an interview.
• New employees are required to obtain a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) upon appointment. The associated costs will be reimbursed by Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.