Project

The Urban Energy Systems Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the project “Development of Smart Energy Management Systems“, a cross-ministry strategic innovation promotion project (SIP). The five-year project will focus on the development of smart energy management systems. In this five-year project, the laboratory will model and analyze the energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions of local communities and municipalities, and develop a system to support planning for a carbon neutral society.

Postdoctoral research position

We seek a candidate with strong skills in energy demand modeling and analytical methods and an interest in climate change mitigation and energy transition. During the project, the postdoctoral fellow will work with the SIP team and lab students to contribute to one or more of the following research topics:

1. Analysis of electricity smart meter data
2. Modeling of building stock and development of energy demand models for non-residential building stock
3. Simulation of human behavior based on location data collected by cell phone terminals and its application to model building and transportation energy demand
4. Model validation and parameter calibration
5. Development of decarbonization scenarios for municipalities, and creation of social implementation mechanisms

The requirements are as follows:

• Possess a Ph.D. degree or equivalent expertise, or expect to obtain one by April 2024. However, applicants are eligible to apply if they expect to receive their degree from a non-Japanese university by July.
• Excellent research achievements in a related field.
• Proficiency in Japanese or English at business level or above

Inquiries about the laboratory and its research are welcome.

Keywords

Climate change mitigation; Regional decarbonization; Energy management; Building system; Electric vehicle; Energy demand modeling; Machine learning; Data-driven approach; Multi-agent simulation; GIS;

Location, hours, contract type and remuneration

• Suita, Osaka, Japan
• Full time
• Fixed term contract
• 5,125,200JPY～per annum. It will be decided according to the responsibilities assigned based on the applicant’s qualifications.

Details

• Starting Date
  April 1, 2024 (or as soon as possible thereafter), for those who do not have a doctoral degree at the time of the employment decision, the date after the date of the doctoral degree
• Term of Employment
  From the date of hire through March 31, 2025. However, as this is a five-year project starting in FY2023, there is a possibility of extension for up to three years. Extension of the employment contract period will be determined after considering the level of contribution to the project. The employment contract may be continued in subsequent projects, etc. However, in accordance with the “Regulations Concerning the Duration of Fixed-Term Employment Contracts for Osaka University Faculty Members,” the maximum total contract period is 10 years from the date of commencement of employment.
• Probationary Period
  6 months
• Employment Form
  The Discretionary Labor System, Special Work Type will be applied based on “38. Regulations Pertaining to Working Hours, Holidays and Leave for National University Corporation Osaka University Limited Term Staff”.
• Salary and Benefits
  Remuneration: 5,125,200JPY～per annum based on “48. Salary Regulations for National University Corporation Osaka University Limited Term Staff (Specially Appointed Staff, etc.) Subject to Annual Salary System”
  It will be decided according to the responsibilities assigned based on the applicant’s qualifications.
• Bonuses and allowance
  Bonuses and allowances for housing, dependency, and retirement are included in the above-mentioned annual salary and will not be paid separately.
• Insurance
  Medical insurance and employee’s pension insurance of the Federation of National Public Service Personnel Mutual Aid Associations, Employment Insurance and Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance

Application

Please submit the following documents to the following contact address until January 9, 2024.

1. A Curriculum Vitae
2. A list of research achievements  (original papers, review papers, books, patents, presentations at international conferences)
3. Major original papers in PDF
4. A list and an outline of awards and prizes
5. An outline of research and education achievements (within two A4 pages)
6. A research plan and aspirations (within two A4 pages)
7. Name, affiliation, and contact information of two professional referees who are willing to be contacted about the applicant
8. Copies of English proficiency certificate such as TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC scores, a description of periods of residency outside Japan that demonstrate your English ability, or English related job experiences

Application deadline

• January 9, 2024 (Japan Standard Time) or until the position is filled

Selection Process

• Document screening will be followed by interviews. Selected applicants will be notified within two weeks of receipt of the application documents.
• Travel and accommodation fees necessary for interviews are to be covered by the applicant. The applicant may request an online interview.
• Please note that unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted.

Sending Address and Contact Information

• Please submit by e-mail to Dr. Yohei Yamaguchi (yohei@see.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp).
  Graduate School of Engineering, (Urban Energy System Laboratory, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering) Osaka University
  2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita-city, Osaka 565-0871 JAPAN
• Write “Application for Specially Appointed Researcher (Full time), Shimoda Laboratory” in the subject line.
• Attach the application documents in PDF format (with full security countermeasures). If the PDF file is too large to email, then online storage can be used and email its URL.
• Applicants will be notified by e-mail within one week after submitting the documents. If you do not receive it, please contact Yohei Yamaguchi.