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 that fosters energy research and teaching activities across various fields and departments. 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, closely associated with the ETH AI Center and the Reliability and Risk Engineering Lab.

Job Description

• Collaborate with researchers to develop high-fidelity emulators for large-scale energy system optimization models.
• Lead the design and implementation of innovative methods, which may include 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 focused on energy systems and machine learning.
• Collaborate with industry partners to address practical challenges.

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 field emphasizing the intersection of Machine Learning and Optimization.
• Proven expertise in surrogate modelling, particularly in designing neural architectures for emulating constrained optimization problems.
• Advanced programming skills in Python, with extensive experience in libraries such as PyTorch, Pyomo, and the broader scientific stack (Xarray, Pandas). Knowledge of MATLAB is desirable 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 position will be based at ETH Zurich, a dynamic and innovative environment for research and collaboration.

We Offer

• A young, dynamic, and interdisciplinary research team dedicated to addressing energy system challenges.
• An attractive research position in 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, which actively supports your professional development while contributing positively to society.

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

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that values diversity and nurtures a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment for everyone to thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are committed to working towards 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 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. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, we promote independent thinking and create an inspiring environment for excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and building connections worldwide, we collaborate to develop solutions for global challenges today and in the future.