ETH Zurich’s Energy Politics Group together with the group on Climate Finance and Policy (a new research group to be established at ET Zurich in January 2021) are seeking a PhD in Energy Innovation and Policy. Both groups are part of ETH Zurich’s Department of Humanities, Social and Political Science and the Institute of Science, Technology and Policy. The position is part of the DECARBIN project, financed by a research grant from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE).
The DECARBIN project aims to uncover the impact of energy and climate policy on the decarbonization of industry in Switzerland. Decarbonizing industry sectors may have important effects on the energy system, which should be anticipated by policy makers. To support policy makers, you will use techno-economic modelling, expert interviews and other quantitative and qualitative methods. The position is for up to three years. The salary is in accordance with the Swiss National Science Foundation PhD regulation.
We offer an entrepreneurial research atmosphere within a dynamic team at continental Europe’s leading research university. Candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to both groups’ research agendas and are encouraged to co-advise master’s students. Through the membership of both groups in the Energy Science Center of ETH Zurich, we benefit from frequent interactions with leading scholars in other energy- and policy-related fields. We also contribute to ETH’s Institute of Science, Technology, and Policy (ISTP). Furthermore we collaborate with other national and international academic and policy institutions (e.g., UC Berkeley, MIT, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research). Our offices are centrally located in Zurich. The starting date is negotiable, a start in Jan 2021 would however be preferred. Your PhD is expected to be completed within 3 years.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in industrial engineering, energy sciences/engineering, innovation studies, technology management, managerial economics or public policy with an energy/technology focus. Interdisciplinary candidates are welcome. You should be dedicated to scientifically rigorous work that at the same time is relevant to decision makers in the public and private sectors. Your working style is team-oriented and you have strong communication skills. You are highly proficient in English and German; further language skills are an additional asset.