Joint UG-MQBS PhD “Civic Wealth Creation Strategies for the Energy Transition” (V25.0080)

University of Groningen and Macquarie University are strategic partners in research and graduate research collaboration. Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen (UG) has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Belonging to the best research universities of Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Established in 1964, Macquarie University is a research-intensive university ranked among top 1% of universities worldwide by QS and THE World University Rankings in 2024. With an enviable reputation for research excellence and a driving desire to produce solutions with real-world impact, Macquarie’s discoveries are paving the way to a brighter future.

Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen
The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) offers an inspiring study and working environment for students and employees. International accreditation enables the Faculty to assess performance against the highest international standards. It also creates an exciting environment of continuous improvement. FEB's programmes, academic staff and research do well on various excellence ranking lists.

Macquarie Business School (MQBS)
In the AACSB accredited Macquarie Business School we are working with our corporate partners, students and alumni to create and share research that addresses business and societal challenges. The Department of Management features internationally recognised researchers who frequently publish in the leading international journals. We attract independent thinkers from all corners of the globe and draw on our international connections to improve the lives of communities worldwide.

FEBRI the graduate school of the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen (Netherlands) and the Macquarie Business School (Australia) invite applications for
One Joint UG-MQBS PhD position on the topic “Civic Wealth Creation Strategies for the Energy Transition”

Project description
This joint-degree PhD project investigates how incumbent energy firms, such as Shell, Woodside Energy, or Origin Energy, can drive sustainable transitions through civic wealth creation—generating social, economic, and communal benefits for local communities alongside environmental goals. While incumbents play a critical role in renewable energy and green hydrogen development, they often face social resistance, partly due to historical neglect of local concerns. This project addresses key research and practice gaps by developing metrics, models, and strategies for fostering trust and collaboration between energy firms and local stakeholders, with a focus on the Netherlands and Australia as hydrogen economy leaders.

In cooperation with the New Energy Coalition and industry partners, the project will provide theoretical and actionable practical insights. It aims to establish a research-informed framework for measuring civic wealth creation, identify effective community engagement practices, and analyze context-specific strategies to enhance societal acceptance of the energy transition. Conducted jointly by the University of Groningen and Macquarie University, the research offers actionable solutions to propel the energy transition and bridge global and local perspectives.

Organisation
The PhD dissertation will be jointly supervised by Associate Professors Dr Björn Mitzinneck and Dr Philip Steinberg (Faculty of Economics and Business , University of Groningen, The Netherlands) and Associate Professor Dr Anna Krzeminska and Professor Dr Stefan Trück (Macquarie Business School, Macquaire University, Australia). After successful completion the University of Groningen and Macquarie University will each award the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, noting the joint nature of the program. The position will run over four years, and will contain enrollment at the two universities. The candidate will alternate between both Universities, but will preferably reside the first two years in Groningen, the Netherlands and the last two years in Sydney, Australia. At the University of Groningen, the project will be embedded in FEBRI’s research programme in Innovation & Organization and at Macquaire University at the Centre for Transforming Energy Markets and MQBS’ Department of Management.

The successful candidate is expected to have completed a MA/MSc/M.Res. in Business, Management, Economics or a closely related discipline by the starting date of the position. Qualitative research experience and expertise in the energy sector are a plus. The candidate must have professional proficiency in English and should be a flexible team worker with good planning and organisational skills, as well as an interest in international collaboration. Command of Dutch would be an advantage.

Two years will be covered by the University of Groningen with a 100% doctoral position, another two years will be covered by Macquarie University.

During the time in The Netherlands, the gross monthly salary for the position varies between € 2,770 and € 3,707 based on the gross salary you will receive an additional 8% holiday allowance each year in May, and an additional 8.3 % end of year bonus in November (regarding the position in The Netherlands).

During the time in Australia, Macquarie University will fund a living allowance scholarship for a maximum of 24 months at an annual rate of AUD 38,500 (tax exempt), paid pro-rata, while the student is in Australia and a Macquarie tuition fee scholarship will be granted for the period of joint enrolment up to 36 months. Macquarie will also provide an airfare allowance for flights between The Netherlands and Sydney, Australia up to a maximum of AUD 4,000.

Starting date: July 1st or September 1st 2025

The application package consists of the following separate documents:

1. Your cv.
2. A motivation letter (1A4 max).
3. A scan of your diploma including transcripts.
4. Proof of English proficiency.
5. The names and contact details of two potential reference persons.
6. other relevant documents.

The documents 1-5 are compulsory and please note that incomplete application packages will not be taken into account.

If you are interested, you can apply until 9 March 11:59pm / before 10 March 2025 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

An assessment may be part of the procedure, consisting of psychological tests and an interview.

Further enquiries about the Global Doctoral Scholarships may be addressed to John Falvey via j.c.falvey rug.nl at University of Groningen or to the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie via gr.globalprograms mq.edu.au

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

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