PhD student - Modeling supply chains for net-zero technologies

The Group for Sustainability and Technology (SusTec) at ETH Zurich's Department of Management, Technology, and Economics investigates organizational, technological, and institutional change in different sectors focusing on energy, decarbonization, and the circular economy. We approach our research from two complementary perspectives: at the system level, examining how public policy shapes innovation and the diffusion of sustainable technologies; and at the firm level, exploring corporate strategies and organizational dynamics.

We are expanding our research on public policies for clean fuels and invite applications for a

PhD student in modeling supply chains for net-zero technologies (100%)

This PhD position is part of the Zero-AMPS project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The project investigates policies to speed up the development of supply chains for net-zero technologies, like renewable hydrogen. The research will cover national, regional, and global scales and assess policy outcomes such as technology diffusion, job creation, and security of energy supply. The PhD will focus on developing and applying the Zero-AMPS novel modeling framework, combining agent-based modeling with energy system modeling to simulate supply chains for net zero technologies.

We expect your research to be scientifically rigorous and relevant to policymakers and managers. You will collaborate closely with other researchers at our chair and interact with policymakers, managers, 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.

Your work will contribute to advancing knowledge in policies for net zero technologies, with a focus on both academic and real-world impact.

The ideal candidate must:

• Hold an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in engineering (e.g., energy engineering) or a closely related discipline
• Have an excellent academic record
• Have strong analytical skills at an abstract and applied level
• 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 and energy modeling (e.g., with Python)
• Be fluent in spoken and written English

Not required but a plus to:

• Have work experience in a related area
• Have prior scientific publications in a related area
• Be knowledgeable of energy technologies, energy transition, and the energy industry

We offer an entrepreneurial research environment in a dynamic team at a world-class academic institution. We also offer national and international development opportunities through collaborations with top academic, industrial, and policy partners. Further, you will have the option to collaborate closely with sus.lab, SusTec’s think-and-do tank, on applied projects with companies and policymakers.

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

You will be hired as a full-time researcher for the entire duration of the project (2025-2028). The starting date is negotiable, but we are aiming to fill this position as soon as possible (early 2025). 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.