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PhD in Energy System Modelling with Emphasis on Social Dimensions

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Switzerland.png Switzerland
  • University/Institute Name Empa
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position Funding Type Research Assistantship (RA)
  • Unspecified Expired
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Position Details (PhD Research Project)

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa’s around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Urban Energy Systems Laboratory (UESL) pioneers strategies, solutions, and methods to support the development of sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban energy systems. Our work combines technology and policy with systems thinking and practical implementation, always grounded in real-world urban challenges. 
 
Within the framework of the SWEET CoSi project (Co-Evolution and Coordinated Simulation of the Swiss Energy System and Swiss Society), we are seeking a motivated and qualified PhD candidate to develop neighbourhood- and district-scale energy system models that incorporate a stronger Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) perspective. By embedding societal dynamics, such models aim to capture a wider range of future uncertainties and insights beyond conventional techno-economic approaches.

PhD in Energy System Modelling with Emphasis on Social Dimensions

Your tasks

The focus of this research is to advance energy system models by systematically embedding Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) aspects, such as household decision-making, willingness to invest, adoption of renewable energy technologies, and social acceptance of innovations. The goal of the PhD is to develop validation methods, best practices, and datasets tailored for energy system models with integrated SSH components. 

A key validation environment for this work will be Empa’s NEST demonstrator, a vertical energy district and living lab that enables real-world testing of technologies and behavioral assumptions. The candidate will be expected to translate research ideas into practical approaches to address these challenges, working closely with our interdisciplinary team and external academic and industry partners.

Your profile
You are a highly motivated and dedicated candidate with a Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field. You bring interdisciplinary expertise on energy transitions, with a solid understanding of renewable energy integration, multi-energy systems, and energy conversion and storage technologies. You have strong programming, modelling, and data analysis skills. Experience with formulating and solving mathematical optimization problems is an asset. Proficiency in English is required; good comprehension and oral skills in German are desirable.

Our offer
We offer a multifaceted and challenging position in a modern research environment with excellent infrastructure. The PhD candidate is intended to be enrolled at the Renewable Energy Systems group at the University of Geneva (Prof. Evelina Trutnevyte), pending formal approval. The ideal starting date is October 2025, or upon mutual agreement.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities – that’s what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Position Start Date

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