PhD Candidate in Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage / PhD Candidate in Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage

Two PhD Positions on Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ETH Zurich's Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) is inviting applications for two doctoral researcher positions focused on the Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage. This interdisciplinary research group, led by Prof. Tobias Schmidt and Prof. Bjarne Steffen, investigates the influence of public policy on technological change.

Project Background

The positions are part of the project "Grid-scale Energy Storage: Imperatives for Accelerating the Green Transition" (RESTORATIVE), funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Grant Agreement No. 101227219. The RESTORATIVE consortium comprises 17 PhD students across 7 universities and 4 companies, involving 16 beneficiary and associated partners from 10 different European countries.

While all PhD projects center on grid-scale energy storage technologies, they examine various aspects, including technological development, reliability and security, integration and coupling, socioeconomic and environmental assessments, as well as policy and regulation.

Job Description

• The doctoral positions are aligned with the Einstein School's doctoral program and are three-year contracts commencing in September 2026.
• Content and methods: Energy storage technologies are vital for enabling a low-carbon energy system, yet the competitiveness of these technologies varies across applications. For short-duration storage (up to eight hours), Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) dominate, but alternative technologies for long-duration applications need investigation.
• The two PhD candidates at ETH Zurich will focus on assessing the competitiveness of various long-term stationary energy storage technologies, leveraging innovation theory-based frameworks and system dynamic modeling.
• These frameworks will help analyze potential trade disruptions, informing energy policy, industrial policy, and geopolitical strategies.
• As part of the MSCA program, students will intern with Siemens Energy’s storage division and engage in an academic exchange 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 especially welcome.
• A commitment to scientifically rigorous work that is also applicable to public and private sector decision-makers is essential.
• Team-oriented working style and proficiency in English are required.
• IMPORTANT: The MSCA supports researcher mobility; thus, only candidates who have spent less than 12 months in Switzerland in the 36 months prior to the recruitment date will be considered.

Workplace

Our group operates within a collaborative and dynamic environment at ETH Zurich, a leader in research and innovation.

We Offer

• An entrepreneurial research atmosphere within a dynamic team at continental Europe’s leading research university, supervised by Prof. Schmidt (main supervisor) and Prof. Bjarne Steffen (second supervisor).
• Opportunities to contribute to EPG's research agenda, including co-advising Master’s and potentially doctoral students.
• Regular interactions with distinguished scholars in energy and policy-related fields as members of ETH’s Albert Einstein School of Public Policy and ETH’s Energy Science Center.
• Collaborative ventures with other national and international academic and policy institutions, including CMCC, MIT, the 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 that promotes equality of opportunity. We embrace diversity and strive to create a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are upheld. For more details about our commitment to equality and diversity, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is integral to our mission—our continuous efforts are aimed at achieving a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

Apply online using the form below. Please ensure you submit your application materials by 26 April 2026, which should include:

• Letter of motivation
• CV
• Contact information for two references (no recommendation letters required at this stage)
• University and high-school diplomas or transcripts, along with a sample of your written work (e.g., Master or Bachelor thesis)

Applications are open to all nationals; an existing work permit for Switzerland is not required at the time of application. We emphasize equal opportunity in our hiring process. There will be a single recruiting process for both positions, so please refrain from applying multiple times.

Note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For inquiries related to the positions, please contact Prof. Schmidt via email: tobiasschmidt@ethz.ch (please do not send applications or request application consultations via phone).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our outstanding education, pioneering research, and effective knowledge transfer to society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we strive to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.