PhD Student in Data-Driven Policy Optimization for Transportation and Energy

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Group for Sustainability and Technology (SusTec) within the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics of ETH Zurich investigates the role of policy, technological innovation, and institutional and organizational strategies on the path to a decarbonized energy system and a circular economy.

To expand our research on the design of policies for a clean energy-transportation system, we are looking for a:

PhD Student in Data-Driven Policy Optimization for Transportation and Energy (100%)

Project background

Our energy and transportation systems are rapidly transforming in the fight against climate change. Policymakers need new tools to help balance the transition’s big-picture objectives with the systems’ impacts on people and communities.

This project will contribute new tools and insights for the optimal design of policies that affect electric vehicle (EV) charging and the electricity system. The PhD student will contribute to the development of exciting new methods that integrate machine learning with energy system optimization to make such policy optimization possible.

The analysis will include policies for EV adoption, EV charging infrastructure, and electricity pricing, considering both system-level impacts on cost and CO2 emissions and community-level impacts like improvements in air pollution.

Job description

We expect your research to be scientifically rigorous and relevant to policymakers and managers. You will collaborate closely with others in our group and interact with policymakers and other stakeholders. As an integral part of your work, you will publish your results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and outreach outlets. You will also supervise master students and support the group’s teaching.

Profile

The ideal candidate should:

Hold an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in engineering, computer science, data science, or a closely related discipline
Have an excellent academic record
Have strong analytical skills
Be passionate about sustainability, energy, and public policy
Be interested in current political and societal discussions
Be able to work independently, manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Be a team player with strong communication skills
Have experience with coding (e.g., with Python)
Have taken courses in optimization, machine learning, or similar
Be fluent in spoken and written English

Not required, but a plus to:

Have experience with energy or transportation modeling or research
Have work experience in a related area
Have prior scientific publications in a related area
Be knowledgeable about the energy and/or transportation sectors and their transitions

Workplace

We offer

We offer a positive research environment in a large, dynamic team at a globally leading academic institution. In our group, you will benefit from frequent interactions with leading researchers from across a vibrant community of energy system research at ETH Zürich and around the world.

Your day-to-day supervisor will be Dr. Siobhan Powell, with Prof. Volker Hoffmann as the leader of the research group.

This PhD is fully funded. You will be hired as a full-time researcher for the entire duration of the project (2025/2026 to 2029/2030). The starting date is negotiable, but we are aiming to fill this position as soon as possible (late 2025 - early 2026). The annual salary is very competitive (see ETH Zurich regulations). The position is based in Zurich, Switzerland. Remote work from outside of Switzerland is not possible due to legal constraints.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

Your CV, with contact details of two referees,
A letter of motivation detailing your research interests and reasons for choosing this PhD project,
Your BSc and MSc transcripts, and
An example of your written work (e.g., your master's thesis).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from late August 2025. Please submit your application through this online application portal by September 12th (12.09.2025). We encourage you to apply as soon as possible since the position might be filled before the application deadline. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For additional information, visit our website or contact Dr. Siobhan Powell (spowell@ethz.ch, please no email applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.