Two PhD Positions in Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage

100%, Zurich, Fixed-term

The Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) at ETH Zurich is seeking two doctoral researchers in the field of Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage. Led by Prof. Tobias Schmidt and Prof. Bjarne Steffen, EPG is an interdisciplinary research group exploring the critical role of public policy in driving 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 trains 17 PhD students across 7 universities and 4 companies, with 16 beneficiary and associated partners hailing from 10 different European countries.

All 17 PhD projects address various aspects of grid-scale energy storage technologies, including technological development, reliability and security, integration and coupling, socioeconomic and environmental assessments, and policy and regulation.

Job Description

• The doctorates will be conducted within the Einstein School's doctoral program and will span three years, commencing in September 2026.
• The focus will be on the competitiveness of various long-term stationary energy storage technologies, exploring how these technologies can support a low-carbon energy system.
• PhD candidates will apply and further develop innovation theory-based frameworks and system dynamic modeling to analyze different energy storage options.
• Additionally, they will investigate the implications of potential trade disruptions on 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 hold 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.
• Dedication to scientifically rigorous work that is relevant to decision-makers in both public and private sectors is essential.
• A team-oriented working style and proficiency in English are required.
• **IMPORTANT:** The MSCA supports researcher mobility; therefore, only candidates who have spent less than 12 months in Switzerland in the 36 months prior to their recruitment date will be considered.

Workplace

Working at ETH Zurich provides an entrepreneurial research atmosphere within a dynamic team at one of continental Europe’s leading research universities. Supervision will be provided by Prof. Schmidt (main supervisor) and Prof. Bjarne Steffen (second supervisor).

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. We encourage diversity and strive to create a fair and open environment where everyone can thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us as we continually work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered:

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

All nationals may apply; an existing work permit for Switzerland is not required at the time of application. Please note that there is a single recruitment process for both positions, so do not apply twice.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, known for its outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and the effective transfer of knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we foster an environment that encourages independent thought and promotes excellence. Located at the heart of Europe and forging global connections, we work together to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.