PhD researcher (m/f/d) für the research group "Information Systems Research, in particular on Connected Energy Storage"

Universität Bayreuth

CfA: PhD position on economics of renewable energy systems and, in particular,
the role of batteries and electric vehicles
The research group „Information Systems Research, in particular on Connected Energy Storage“¹ at the Department of Law, Business, and Economics and the University of Bayreuth’s Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt) is looking for a

to start as of September 01, 2025, or later. The research group focuses on the economics of renewable energy systems and, in particular, the role of batteries and electric vehicles. Current projects analyze efficient and effective electricity pricing, the contribution of decentralized energy assets to efficient operations of electricity markets and grids, as well as economic policies and market design for electric vehicles charging markets.

The group is headed by Prof. Dr. Marie-Louise Arlt, assistant professor of „Information Systems Research, in particular on Connected Energy Storage “. More information on her background and current research can be found at www.marielouisearlt.com or here.

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. Specifically, the group is based at BayBatt which brings together battery-specific expertise in physics and chemistry, material science and engineering, as well as information technology and economics as a supra-regional competence center.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in renewable electricity market operations and economic approaches to integrate storage and electric vehicles, in particular. Our research group aims to investigate such questions using optimization, simulation, as well as empirical methods leveraging real-world data. There are ample opportunities and academic freedom to shape the specific research questions to be investigated.

The ideal candidate has successfully and excellently completed a Master’s degree in either information systems research, operations research, economics, or management; as well as an interest in passing disciplinary boundaries between economics, data science, and technology. Candidates with a background in engineering will be considered if their training included substantial insights in economic questions and methods.

Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German is not required but a plus. We are also open to applications from candidates who have collected practical experience in the industry after completing their Master’s.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Network "Familie in der Hochschule e.V." and has successfully participated in the HRK audit "Internationalization of the University". People with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Your tasks

Your primary objective is to conduct state-of-the-art research in the described field of research, with the objective to complete a PhD. Moreover, the candidate will help to establish and manage cooperations with partners from the industry, contribute to policy-relevant analyses, and support the head of the group in teaching activities. The position further includes a teaching load of 3.75 hours per week during the semester.

What we offer

We are a young research group and provide the opportunity to motivated candidates to shape a research environment in the making. We work at the intersection of economics and technology and aim to leverage our research to inform the policy debate on electricity markets and decarbonization. The group is embedded in an international research network. International conference participation and research visits will be actively supported.

The position is a TVL E-13 position (75%), paid according to the public sector agreement of the Free State of Bavaria, for an initial duration of one year, with the option to extend to three years. The successful candidate will become part of the Bayreuth Graduate School which offers courses and personal budget for conferences etc.

Application

The deadline for applications is May 25, 2025. Please apply through the application portal of the University of Bayreuth, using the subject “WInfBatt”. Please include an application letter highlighting your motivation and your possible starting date; CV (up to two pages); a grading transcript; certificates of potential completed studies. Candidates invited to the online interview stage will be requested to provide two reference letters. All documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection requirements once the position has been filled.

In case of questions on the position, feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Marie-Louise Arlt, arlt@uni-bayreuth.de.

¹Transl.: Wirtschaftsinformatik und vernetzte Energiespeicher