PhD position in energy systems analysis of decentralised low-carbon energy systems

The Chair of Energy Systems Analysis (ESA), within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich, is recruiting a doctoral student working on decentralised low-carbon energy systems. The PhD position is well connected with other research projects at ESA, which is at the intersection of engineering and economics, and involves developing and applying energy system models to diverse energy systems and research questions. The ESA group is headed by Prof. Dr. Russell McKenna and generally focuses on the energy system analysis of low carbon energy systems and technologies. The Chair holder’s joint appointment as the Head of the Laboratory of Energy Systems Analysis at PSI mean a strong collaboration with this group is also desirable.

The transition to a net-zero-carbon-emissions (net-zero) energy system is resulting an increase in decentralised energy technologies at building and district scales. These decentralised technologies raise many questions relating to the technical and economic efficiency of solutions at building and district scales, as well as effective policy measures to provide effective and fair incentives.

This call is intentially broad with a lot of freedom to be shaped by the successful candidate. Examples of research directions include but are not limited to the following:

• developing new and improving existing energy system models at the individual building and district scale;
• exploring the changing shape of demand profiles and the implications at local substation and distribution network levels;
• developing approaches to model District Heating and Cooling (DHC) systems in the context of wider energy system models;
• analysing existing and suggesting new policy and tariff frameworks to incentivize system-serving energy communities;
• improving the consideration of energy network infrastructure in energy system models.

To address these points, you will have access to state-of-the-art computational capabilities, and you will be in contact with experts within ETH Zurich and worldwide.

We are looking for a proactive and highly motivated candidate, with a MSc in a quantitative discipline (such as engineering, applied physics, geosciences or mathematics) from an internationally recognized university and an excellent academic track record. Ideally, you have a background in quantitative modelling and programming (e.g. Matlab, Python, Julia, GAMS, GIS). Knowledge of mixed-integer linear programming solvers (e.g. CPLEX, Gurobi) and/or machine learning techniques are a benefit.

You should be able to speak and write clearly in English. Furthermore, you will need to enjoy working in a competitive, dynamic, diverse, and international environment with other doctoral students and postdocs.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.