Postdoc position: Environmental assessment of business models with BM-LCA @ Chalmers University

Are you interested in the environmental sustainability of business, decoupling, circular economy, and methods for environmental systems analysis? Then, this 3-year postdoc position could be for you.

About the research

Business Model LCA (BM-LCA) is a new type of life cycle assessment methodology especially tailored for the environmental assessment of business models (c.f., Baumann et al 2022, Böckin et al 2022, Goffetti et al 2022). Its relevance comes to the fore in relation to circular economy efforts, which has sparked much interest in sustainable business models (rental, sharing, subscription, sufficiency models, etc). With BM-LCA it becomes possible to analyse, and/or validate the environmental performance of these business models. Also, BM-LCA enables analysis for decoupling in a business context and can support sustainable business model innovation. From this follows two lines of research: the sustainability of business models and the methodological development of BM-LCA.

As a postdoc, you will play a crucial role in developing the research field around BM-LCA and the analysis of the sustainability of business models at Environmental systems analysis at Chalmers. The research is conducted within the project TwinWins, funded by the Kamprad Family Foundation. In the project, we collaborate with companies in Sweden to analyse their sustainable business models and support their sustainable business model innovation. Furthermore, the project aims to systematise learnings from the application of BM-LCA and the results from the case studies. Wider dissemination to industry, other relevant stakeholders and within academia is also an important project goal to spread knowledge and skills for the environmental assessment of business models. For this, the project has partnered with the Swedish life cycle center. The project is a multidisciplinary collaboration between Luleå University of Technology and Chalmers University of Technology. The postdoc position is placed at Chalmers University of Technology.

Information about the division and the department

The Division of Environmental Systems Analysis conducts research to find methods and ways to transform technological systems to better meet the environmental and resource constraints faced by society. Our work is challenge-driven and cross-disciplinary, with a common systems-based approach. The division has a long engagement in method development for life cycle assessment, risk assessment and material flow analysis — the development of BM-LCA comes out of this engagement. Research on actors in industrial ecologies, innovation systems and transition studies also adds to our understanding of systems and the environment. The division has around 40 staff and faculty members, including engineering, social and natural science researchers. It is a dynamic and inclusive research environment with friendly atmosphere and cutting-edge research in multiple areas. More information about the department and the division can be found at TME’s web page: Technology Management and Economics

Major responsibilities

We seek a highly motivated, innovative, and interactive post-doctoral candidate interested in LCA methodologies and the sustainability of business.
The major responsibility as a postdoc will be to pursue research within the scope of the project, to present your results in major journals and conferences, and be a constructive member of the project team. You will be responsible for conducting the case studies in collaboration with the companies — this task requires good modelling skills of both business models and LCA. You are expected to contribute to developing BM-LCA as a methodology for analysis of environmental performance of business models and for decoupling in a business context. You will have the freedom to independently formulate and solve research problems, within the general scope of the project. You will engage with stakeholders from industry, government, and non-profit organizations to ensure the real-world impact of your research. A limited amount of teaching and supervision may also be included in the position, depending on your preferences.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must have a doctoral degree in industrial ecology, sustainability studies, environmental management, or similar relevant field. You have excellent skills in LCA, quantitative modelling and data analysis. Experience also of qualitative studies in a company context is meritorious. You should also have experience of collaborating with companies and a multidisciplinary background covering both life cycle assessment and business/management in your studies. Excellent writing and communication skills in English are expected, and a working knowledge of Swedish is meritorious.

We offer

Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure

Full info on position and application procedure in the link: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=12103&rmlang=UK

The application should be marked with Ref 20230533 and written in English.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter:

1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.