PhD Student on Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage / PhD Studentess on 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) invites applications for two doctoral researcher positions 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 focused on the role of public policy in technological change.

Project Background

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

All 17 PhD projects align with the overall theme of grid-scale energy storage technologies, exploring various perspectives, including:

• Technological development
• Reliability and security
• Integration and coupling
• Socioeconomic and environmental assessment
• Policy and regulation

Job Description

• The doctoral positions will be pursued within the Einstein School's doctoral program and span three years, commencing in September 2026.
• The research will focus on the competitiveness of various long-duration stationary energy storage technologies, examining the economic viability of these systems.
• PhD candidates will utilize and enhance innovation theory-based frameworks and system dynamic modeling.
• The research will also assess the impacts 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 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 demonstrate a commitment to scientifically rigorous research while making relevant contributions to decision-making in both public and private sectors.
• A team-oriented working style and proficiency in English are essential.
• IMPORTANT: According to MSCA rules, only candidates who have spent less than 12 months in Switzerland in the 36 months prior to their recruitment date will be considered.

Workplace

Join a collaborative research environment within ETH Zurich, continental Europe’s leading research university, where innovation meets excellence.

We Offer

• Entrepreneurial research atmosphere within a dynamic team supervised by Prof. Schmidt (main supervisor) and Prof. Bjarne Steffen (second supervisor).
• Opportunities to contribute to EPG's research agenda, alongside potential involvement in co-advising master's and doctoral students.
• Frequent interactions with renowned scholars in energy and policy-related fields as members of ETH's Albert Einstein School of Public Policy and ETH's Energy Science Center.
• Collaborations with national and international academic and policy institutions, enhancing interdisciplinary research opportunities.

Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich champions an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a respectful environment for all staff and students. We are dedicated to sustainability and are actively advancing toward a climate-neutral future.

Application Process

We invite interested candidates to apply online using the form below. Applications will be considered until April 26, 2026. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Ensure your application includes:

• A letter of motivation
• Your 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., your master or bachelor thesis)

All nationals are welcome to apply; no existing work permit for Switzerland is required at the time of application. We uphold equal opportunity principles in our hiring processes. Please submit only one application, as there will be a single recruitment process for both positions.

For inquiries regarding the positions, please contact Prof. Schmidt via email at tobiasschmidt@ethz.ch (applications will not be accepted through email, and personal consultations regarding your application cannot be provided).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich stands as one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for outstanding education, cutting-edge research, and practical knowledge transfer, we cultivate an environment where over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries engage in independent thought and inspiring excellence. Situated at the heart of Europe, we strive to develop innovative solutions to the global challenges of today and tomorrow.