Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

Postdoctoral Researcher on Hybrid AI-Optimization Modelling

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Energy Science Center (ESC) at ETH Zurich is an interdepartmental competence center that facilitates energy research and teaching activities across various fields and departments, and promotes outreach and public visibility of energy research at ETH Zurich. We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team working at the forefront of hybrid AI-optimization modelling. This position focuses on the design of AI-based surrogates of large-scale energy system models and will be integrated into the activities of the Nexus-e group, with close links to the ETH AI Center and the Reliability and Risk Engineering Lab.

Job Description

• Collaborate with other researchers to develop high-fidelity emulators for large-scale energy system optimization models.
• Lead the design and implementation of innovative methods, including Kriging surrogate, Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE), and Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs).
• Contribute to the strategic direction of research.
• Publish high-impact research in leading journals and present findings at international conferences on energy systems and machine learning.
• Collaborate with industry partners to tackle challenges of practical relevance.

Profile

Interested candidates should meet the following requirements to be eligible for the position:

• A PhD or Doctoral degree in Energy Systems, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field focused on the intersection of Machine Learning and Optimization.
• Proven expertise in surrogate modelling, specifically in designing neural architectures for emulating constrained optimization problems.
• Advanced programming skills in Python, with deep experience in libraries such as PyTorch, Pyomo, and the broader scientific stack (e.g., Xarray, Pandas). Knowledge of MATLAB is desired but not mandatory.
• A strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals involving advanced emulation or physics-aware AI.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and multicultural research teams, bridging the gap between data science and energy engineering.
• Proficiency in English is required.

Workplace

The Energy Science Center is based at ETH Zurich, one of the world's leading universities in science and technology, fostering a vibrant environment for research and collaboration.

We Offer

• A young, dynamic, and interdisciplinary research team addressing energy system challenges.
• An attractive research position in high-impact projects at a world-renowned university in Zurich.
• Competitive salaries in accordance with ETH standards.
• Numerous benefits and flexible, family-friendly working conditions.
• Your career with impact: Join ETH Zurich, which promotes your professional development and contributes positively to society.

The planned duration of the initial contract is one year, potentially extendable based on continued funding and successful performance.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we continually strive towards creating a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below:

• A letter of motivation (max one page).
• CV, including publications.
• Two key outputs (these could be publications, software code, projects, etc.).

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information, please contact Dr. Jonas Savelsberg, Head of the Nexus-e group, via e-mail at jsavelsberg@esc.ethz.ch. More information about the Energy Science Center is available on our website.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, we attract over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries to our vibrant environment that promotes independent thought and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forging connections globally, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.