PHD STUDENT IN LOW CARBON TRANSPORTATION MARKET ANALYSIS: FOCUS ON CONSUMERS, POLICY AND MARKET RESEARCH

The Sustainable Transportation Action Research Team (START) in the Resource Environmental Management (REM) Program at Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) is a dynamic group that takes an interdisciplinary approach to research on sustainable transportation solutions. START is looking for market analysis or social science PhD candidates with experience in survey/interview design or quantitative social science methods to conduct research on the market potential for low-carbon transportation technologies, starting in January 2020 or May 2020. The PhD student will be under the supervision of Dr. Jonn Axsen, Associate Professor in REM and Director of START.

The larger research program evaluates the potential of vehicle technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector (passenger, fleet and freight sectors). A socio-technical perspective will be followed to integrate insights into the technical, social, economic, and political opportunities and constraints in the emerging low-carbon emissions vehicle market. Outcomes will inform policy design and industry strategies that enable the deployment of environmentally effective and economically efficient vehicle technologies.

QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should clearly demonstrate that they have skills in at least two of the following areas:
• Valuation methods and discrete choice modeling
• Statistical analysis of consumer and market data
• Survey and/or interview design and research methods
• Market analysis for alternative fuels or low-carbon technology
• Climate policy and technological change

In addition, the applicant should also demonstrate:
• a strong academic background (including in the skills listed above),
• a competitive grade point average (or equivalent),
• excellent skills in communication (writing, presenting, etc.), project organization, and working both collaboratively and independently.

Ideal candidates will be eager to conduct novel, applied quantitative research in the field of low-carbon transportation systems, and to publish results in top-level academic journals. Applicants should already have attained a Master’s degree—though those with only a Bachelor’s can still apply for our Master’s program. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

It is our intention to provide a competitive stipend for this position, though successful applicants will also be expected to apply for any relevant scholarships to support their stipend.

THE RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (REM) PH.D. PROGRAM
Ph.D. applicants should look closely at the REM program’s requirements, which requires students to complete courses and demonstrate basic competencies in environmental economics, public policy, and environmental science over the course of their Ph.D. Graduates in the REM program enjoy an extremely high employment rate, moving to leadership positions in government, industry, consulting, and academia.

About Dr. Jonn Axsen and the School of Resource and Environmental Management:
Dr. Jonn Axsen is an Associate Professor in the School of Resource and Environmental Management (REM) at Simon Fraser University. His research focus is on consumer behaviour and citizen acceptance regarding low-carbon energy and policy. His research program centres around four broad themes: the adoption of pro-environmental technology, pro-environmental motivations (social influence, lifestyle and values), citizen acceptance of energy technology and policy, and modeling effective low-carbon technology and policy. Dr. Axsen is the director of SFU’s Sustainable Transportation Action Research Team (START).

About the Sustainable Transportation Action Research Team (START):
START is a research collaborative within the Faculty of Environment that focuses on the transition to sustainable transportation systems. START takes a unique interdisciplinary approach to its research, drawing from disciplines such as economics, marketing, engineering, innovation management, health sciences, geography, public policy, urban studies, communications, and psychology into the analysis of sustainable transportation solutions. START produces policy- and industry-relevant research in three key aspects of sustainable transportation: vehicles and drivetrains, fuels and infrastructure, and mobility and travel demand. For each aspect, START produces comprehensive research to assess different transportation technologies, practices and solutions according to technological feasibility, consumer and citizen acceptance, and public policy.

For more info, visit:
• The REM web site: www.rem.sfu.ca/
• Dr. Axsen’s webpage: www.sfu.ca/rem/people/profiles/axsen.html
• START’s webpage: www.sustainabletransport.ca