PhD Position in Industrial Engineering at ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is looking for a PhD student to analyse technological innovation that supports the transition to a clean energy system in the context of sector coupling.

This PhD Position in Industrial Engineering is available for the academic session 2021-2022.

Summary

Project Description

Within the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 847585

Job description

The acceleration of technological innovation is critical for the decarbonisation of the energy system. Especially reaching net-zero emissions, a target that many countries want to achieve by the mid of this century, requires both the rapid development of new and the further diffusion of existing technologies. This, however, does no longer only involve the energy sector. New technologies such as electric vehicles or power-to-hydrogen increasingly couple the energy sector with others, and technological innovation (have to) cut across several sectors’ value chains.

More specifically, the student will investigate how design can support and accelerate a smooth integration of value chains across sectors and identify technical, economic and social barriers and potential business opportunities. The student will apply qualitative and quantitative methods such as interviews, techno-economic modelling, and patent data analysis.

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.

The anticipated outcomes of this project are a better understanding of the mechanisms, drivers and barriers that influence whether and how innovations within and across the value chains in the context of sector coupling unfold. 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 exciting 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 Annegret Stephan from the Group for Sustainability and Technology (SusTec, www.sustec.ethz.ch) at ETH Zurich and the RWE Renewables GmbH. The entire 36 months will be under a 100% working contract.

The PhD salary follows ETH Zurich’s regulations 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 enrolled 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: 01.10.2021.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is July 01, 2021 

Eligibility Criteria

We are looking for candidates with a background in energy science, industrial engineering, energy economics or similar. Also, you should have excellent analytical skills and a strong interest in and a good understanding of (energy) technologies, as well as in interdisciplinary approaches and topics such as management and policy. Good writing and communication skills are also essential.

Early-stage researcher in the first four 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 (for call 4 = July 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 the three 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 desirable.

Main Research Field

Energy science (interdisciplinary with a focus on innovation studies and energy technology analysis)

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.

Application Process

For submitting your online application: https://join.lszgs.uzh.ch/ (select PhD Program Science and Policy). The online application should contain all information, as indicated by the application portal. Moreover, the following documents have to be uploaded under “further documents”: 1) a letter of motivation to join a) the RESPONSE doctoral programme and b) to apply for this specific position (ESR 28), 2) a comprehensive tabular CV, and 3) transcripts of records.

If you apply for more than one RESPONSE position, please refer to them in your letter of motivation. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For questions and further information on the position, please contact Dr Annegret Stephan (astephan@ethz.ch) with no applications.

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