PhD position: Innovation strategies and policy approaches to support the transition to a clean energy system

Updated: over 2 years ago
Job Type: Permanent
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

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100%, Zurich, fixed-term


Within the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 847585, ETH Zurich is offering a 36-month PhD position for an early-stage researcher (ESR) in the area of sustainable energy systems.

RESPONSE (GA No. 847585) «RESPONSE - to society and policy needs through plant, food and energy sciences» H2020-MSCA-COFUND-2018
ESR 28 Innovation strategies and policy approaches to support the transition to a clean energy systems


Job description

A coordinated effort is needed between the energy policy and energy technology domains to transform energy systems towards decarbonisation. Given the multiple policy objectives involved in this process and the complex nature of the energy system, appropriately designed policy mixes are expected to be more effective in addressing energy challenges compared to individual policy instruments. However, we currently lack methods that can design effective policy mixes, while also reflecting their effects on the energy system in terms of both system design and operation.

Therefore, for this project, we are looking for a talented doctoral candidate to work on developing methods for the co-design of policy mixes and energy system transformations. Energy system modelling will be the primary method used in the project and the student will investigate how individual energy technologies and sectors, policies, and their interactions can be best represented in a modelling environment. Finally, the developed method will be applied to a series of case studies corresponding to specific energy challenges.

A planned secondment of three months at the RWE Renewables GmbH in Essen (Germany) is part of this project. During this secondment, the student will have the opportunity to gain practical work experience and apply the developed methods to a market relevant for RWE Renewables. To achieve this, the student will be working closely with the project partner RWE Renewables during the entire project duration.

Anticipated outcomes of this project include a flexible method for the co-design of policy mixes and energy system transformations, as well as quantitative evidence on the effectiveness of policy mixes, especially when compared to individual policy instruments. The findings will be communicated in several academic papers and practitioner articles, and shared via social media (e.g., through blog posts).

Benefit

We are offering an interesting position at the interface of science and policy. While working in an international, interdisciplinary and innovative research environment at ETH Zurich, the ESR will be jointly supervised by Prof. Volker Hoffmann and Dr. Georgios Mavromatidis from the Group for Sustainability and Technology (SusTec, www.sustec.ethz.ch ) at ETH Zurich, and by RWE Renewables GmbH.

The complete 36 months will be under a 100% working contract.

The PhD salary follows the regulations of ETH Zurich and will be according to EU regulations for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early-Stage Researchers. The monthly gross salary will not be lower than CHF 3920.

The successful candidate will be matriculated and will have a working contract at ETH Zurich. He/she will work in Switzerland. The secondment will take place in Essen (Germany).

Expected starting date of the working contract: 01.01.2022


Your profile

We are looking for a proactive and highly motivated candidate with a background in engineering, energy science, energy economics, physics, or similar, and a strong interest in energy technology, policy, and economics. In addition, you should have very good analytical skills, and demonstrable experience with quantitative modelling (energy system modelling and optimisation are an asset) and programming (Python, R, MATLAB, or similar). Professional writing and communication skills are also essential.

Eligibility: Early stage researcher in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers, including the period of research training, starting at the date of obtaining the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the initial training activities are provided.

At the time of recruitment (December 1, 2021) by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the reference date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

Language requirement: Proficient oral and written English skills are expected. German is a plus, but not necessary.

Main Research Field:  Energy science (interdisciplinary with a focus on energy technology and policy)

Sub Research Field: Energy system modelling

RESPONSE is open to applicants of any nationality.


ETH Zurich

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.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
Interested?

The application should contain the following documents:

The deadline for applications is November 15, 2021. Please note that applications will be screened weekly, and the position can be filled earlier than November 15. Therefore, earlier applications are highly encouraged.

For questions and further information on the position, please contact Dr. Georgios Mavromatidis ([email protected] ), no applications.

Further information

Each ESR will be part of the RESPONSE Doctoral Programme (DP) : «RESPONSE - to society and policy needs through plant, food and energy sciences» is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 847585. RESPONSE DP builds on the academic expertise of three world-leading institutions - ETH Zurich, University of Zurich and University of Basel. The successful candidate will be integrated in the research network and infrastructure of the internationally renowned competence center Energy Science Center .

All RESPONSE ESRs will follow the PSC PhD Program Science and Policy that is unique in its kind. Through the curriculum of this program, ESRs will be trained in the communication of scientific evidence to policymakers and the public; the involvement of different stakeholder groups as well as in policy development and endorsement in Europe and at global scale.

For project, programme and application details: https://www.plantsciences.uzh.ch/en/research/fellowships/response.html

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Co-funding of regional, national and international programmes (COFUND)

H2020-MSCA-COFUND-2018

“This program receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 847585”.

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.



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