Two PhD Positions on Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) at ETH Zurich is looking for two doctoral researchers focused on the Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage. Under the leadership of Prof. Tobias Schmidt and Prof. Bjarne Steffen, EPG is an interdisciplinary research group exploring the impact of public policy on technological advancements.
Project Background
The positions are part of the project "Grid-scale Energy Storage: Imperatives for Accelerating the Green Transition (RESTORATIVE)," which operates under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Grant Agreement No. 101227219. The RESTORATIVE consortium trains 17 PhD students across 7 universities and 4 companies, involving a total of 16 beneficiary and associated partners from 10 European countries.
All 17 PhD projects revolve around grid-scale energy storage technologies but approach the subject from various perspectives, including:
- Technological development
- Reliability and security
- Integration and coupling
- Socioeconomic and environmental assessment
- Policy and regulation
Job Description
- The doctorates are part of the Einstein School’s doctoral program and will last for three years, commencing in September 2026.
- Energy storage technologies are crucial for facilitating a low-carbon energy system, yet the competitive landscape of these technologies in various applications remains an open question. For instances with storage durations of up to eight hours, Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) have dominated, but they lag in longer-duration applications.
- The PhD candidates at ETH Zurich will examine the competitiveness of various long-term stationary energy storage technologies, using and enhancing innovation theory-based frameworks and system dynamic modeling.
- They will analyze potential trade disruptions to inform energy policy, industrial policy, and geopolitical strategies.
- As part of the MSCA program, the students will intern with Siemens Energy’s storage division and engage in academic exchanges with the Energy Systems Lab at Imperial College London.
Profile
- Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in industrial engineering, energy engineering, innovation studies, technology management, or economics/public policy with a focus on energy/technology. Interdisciplinary candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Candidates should be committed to rigorous scientific work that is relevant to decision-makers in both public and private sectors.
- Team-oriented working style and proficiency in English are essential.
- IMPORTANT: The MSCA promotes researcher mobility, so only candidates who have spent less than 12 months in Switzerland in the 36 months leading up to their recruitment date are eligible.
Workplace
ETH Zurich fosters a vibrant research atmosphere within a dynamic team, offering numerous opportunities for collaboration and advancement.
We Offer
- An entrepreneurial research atmosphere within one of continental Europe's leading research universities, with supervision provided by Prof. Schmidt (main supervisor) and Prof. Bjarne Steffen (second supervisor).
- The chance to contribute to EPG's research agenda and to co-mentor master's and potentially doctoral students.
- Frequent interactions with leading scholars in energy- and policy-related fields, being part of ETH’s Albert Einstein School of Public Policy and the Energy Science Center.
- Collaboration with various national and international academic and policy institutions (e.g., CMCC, MIT, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and the World Economic Forum).
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and maintain a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Sustainability is a core value, and we are relentlessly working toward a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
We invite you to apply online using the form below. Applications will be accepted until April 26, 2026, and should include the following documents:
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Contact information of two references (no recommendation letters required at this point)
- University and high school diplomas or transcripts, and a sample of your written work (e.g., your master or bachelor thesis)
All nationals can apply, and a work permit for Switzerland is not required at the time of application. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a leading university specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education and cutting-edge research, we are dedicated to transferring knowledge to society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we offer an environment that inspires excellence and fosters independent thinking. Located at the heart of Europe and engaging with global challenges, we strive together to find solutions for today and tomorrow.