PhD Position in FAIR4COMMUNITIES Project for Grid-Friendly and Resilient Energy Communities, University of Basel, Switzerland

Summary

The University of Basel’s Sustainability Research Group seeks a PhD candidate to study the societal aspects of AI‑enabled energy sharing within the Horizon Europe FAIR4COMMUNITIES project. The four‑year, fully funded position involves developing a Societal Readiness Framework, conducting national surveys, interviews, workshops, and field experiments across several European pilot sites. The researcher will collaborate with technology developers, energy community organizers, and other stakeholders, producing academic papers and a PhD thesis. Applicants need an MSc/MA in social sciences, psychology or a related field, strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, and proficient English. The role offers a salary according to university regulations, social benefits, and an internationally connected research environment in Basel, Switzerland.

Key Facts

Department	Sustainability Research Group
Position Type	PhD Candidate
Discipline	Social Sciences / Psychology
Research Area	Societal dimensions of AI-enabled energy sharing, sustainability, energy transition
Degree Required	MSc or MA in Social Sciences, Psychology, or related discipline
Salary	According to University of Basel personnel and salary regulations
Funding	Fixed-term funded position (four years)
Contract Duration	Initial contract of one year, extendable to four years after assessment
Language	English (proficient)
Deadline	2026-10-18
Required Documents	CV, Letter of motivation, Letter of recommendation, Transcripts of MSc/MA and BA degrees
Employer Contact	Dr. Adam Hearn ([email protected]), Dr. Iljana Schubert ([email protected])

About the Project

FAIR4COMMUNITIES is a Horizon Europe initiative uniting 18 European partners to create AI‑driven tools for fair, human‑centric, and grid‑friendly energy sharing. The project integrates social‑science expertise to ensure technologies are socially acceptable, inclusive, and aligned with societal values. It develops advanced forecasting and optimization tools, a Societal Readiness Framework, and conducts field experiments across Europe to assess trust, fairness, and adoption of AI‑enabled energy‑sharing schemes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Societal Readiness Framework for AI‑based energy‑sharing tools
• Design and conduct quota‑representative national surveys
• Carry out semi‑structured interviews and participatory workshops
• Collaborate with technology developers, Energy Community organisers, and members to design user‑centred tools and dashboards
• Evaluate usability, trust, and perceived fairness of AI‑supported decisions
• Plan, implement, and evaluate behavioural and trust‑building field experiments in pilot sites across Europe
• Contribute to academic research papers and the PhD thesis

Required Skills

• Strong quantitative research skills and experience with surveys
• Qualitative research skills (interviews, workshops, thematic analysis)
• Analytical and academic writing abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
• Proficiency in English (advanced level)
• Knowledge of energy sector and Energy Community policies (desirable)
• Experience with participatory research and co‑design methodologies (desirable)

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding an MSc or MA in social sciences, psychology, sustainability or a related discipline, with strong quantitative research experience (surveys) and preferably qualitative skills (interviews, workshops). Proficiency in English, analytical writing, communication abilities, and interest in energy transitions, AI, and societal impacts are essential. Applicants with experience in participatory research, co‑design, or knowledge of the energy sector are especially encouraged.

Benefits

• Salary and social benefits according to University of Basel personnel and salary regulations
• Four‑year funded contract with possibility of extension after performance assessment
• Supportive and collaborative research environment
• Opportunity to participate in courses and academic activities at the University of Basel and beyond
• Internationally connected research network across 18 European partners

About the Employer

The University of Basel, located in Basel, Switzerland, hosts the Sustainability Research Group, which focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of sustainability, social sciences, and energy transition. The group participates in large‑scale European projects such as FAIR4COMMUNITIES, offering a scientifically stimulating environment with strong international collaborations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is October 18, 2026.

What is the length of the contract?

An initial one‑year contract, extendable to four years after a positive assessment.

Which documents must be submitted?

A CV, a letter of motivation, a letter of recommendation, and transcripts of MSc/MA and BA degrees.

Is English proficiency required?

Yes, a proficient level in English is required.

Where will the work be performed?

At the University of Basel, Sustainability Research Group, Basel, Switzerland.