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 centre dedicated to advancing energy research and teaching across various fields. We are currently seeking a highly qualified and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team at the forefront of hybrid AI-optimization modelling. This position focuses on the design of AI-based surrogates for large-scale energy system models and will be integrated into the activities of the Nexus-e group, with close ties 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 but not limited to Kriging surrogates, 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 related to energy systems and machine learning.
• Work with industry partners to tackle challenges of practical relevance.

Profile

Interested candidates should meet the following requirements:

• 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 significant experience in libraries such as PyTorch, Pyomo, and the broader scientific stack (e.g., Xarray, Pandas). Knowledge of MATLAB is desired but not a requirement.
• A strong publication record 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.

We Offer

• A young, dynamic, and interdisciplinary research team addressing critical energy system challenges.
• An attractive research position within high-impact projects at one of the world’s leading universities, centrally located in Zurich.
• Competitive salaries in accordance with ETH standards.
• Numerous benefits and flexible, family-friendly working conditions.
• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, contributing to positive societal change while supporting your professional development.

The planned duration of the initial contract is one year, with extensions possible based on funding and performance.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. To learn more about our commitment to a fair and open environment, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value for us as we strive for a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. 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 jonas.savelsberg@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 research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, we host over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our university encourages independent thinking and fosters an inspiring environment for excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we connect globally to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.