Open PhD position: Applying Social Science Approaches to Sustainable Building Research

Application deadline: 26^th of May 2025

Expected start date: Between 1^st of July and 1^st of October 2025.

The University of Primorska and InnoRenew CoE are seeking a dynamic and motivated candidate to work on the institute’s social science projects. The researcher will be employed at the InnoRenew CoE in the Information Processing Group and become a doctoral candidate at the University of Primorska – PhD study program Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments.

Goals and Tasks

The PhD research will aim to address the use of social science approaches to explore the psychological and social factors influencing the adoption of sustainable building practices among different groups of building owners and other stakeholders. The Research Assistant will primarily support a project focused on developing a conceptual model of long-term decision-making and analyzing decisions that enhance the climate change mitigation and adaptation potential of the private forest and home construction sector. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to other projects at the research institute based on their skills and interests.

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Conducting literature reviews and analysing secondary data to understand existing methodologies and challenges.
• Assisting in qualitative research (interviews, focus groups) and quantitative research (surveys), including some involving citizen science approaches.
• Supporting project management, communication, and data collection and sharing activities to ensure effective project implementation.
• Disseminating research findings through scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.

Essential requirements/skills

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Sociology, or other Social Science field; Statistics or Data Science; or a related discipline.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary international research environment,
• Ability to formulate and communicate new research ideas (e.g., research proposal preparation),
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proven competence with at least one statistical software package (e.g. R, SPSS, or similar).
• Fulfill the requirements for doctoral students at the University of Primorska. For more details, see:

https://www.famnit.upr.si/en/education/doctoral/renew-mat

https://www.famnit.upr.si/en/education/enrolment.

Desirable (but not mandatory) requirements/skills

• Advanced skills in data processing, analysis and visualization,
• Prior experience with qualitative and quantitative social science research methods,
• Prior experience with citizen science projects,
• Background in environmental topics or related research.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary with possible performance-based raises,
• No Ph.D. tuition fee,
• Opportunity to participate in other ongoing projects of the institute.

Employment opportunities, admissions policies, activities, services, and the facilities of the InnoRenew CoE do not exclude any person based on race, color, age, sex, gender, religion, national origin, or disability. In processing your application, the GDPR will be respected and your information will not be shared outside of the relevant staff at the InnoRenew CoE and the University of Primorska. By submitting your application, you agree that the data you provide be reviewed by these organizations.

How to apply

The applicants should send:

• Curriculum vitae (including short descriptions of all prior educations, qualifications, and research or work experiences)
• Motivation letter for this doctoral position (maximum one A4 page)
• List of publications (if applicable)

to this email address: coe@innorenew.eu. In the title (subject) of your email please write: PhD position Social Science. All materials should be in English and submitted in PDF format no later than 26^th of May 2025.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For further information about the research topic, please contact Assist. Prof. Dr. Ana Slavec (ana.slavec@innorenew.eu).

The InnoRenew CoE reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, extend the application period, and consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Learn how to apply at http://innorenew.eu/jobs.

Learn more about the InnoRenew CoE at http://innorenew.eu or by e-mailing: coe@innorenew.eu.

Apply now