The Automatic Control Laboratory of ETH Zurich is a community of approximately 50 researchers working on the development of methods and computational tools for automation, exploring their potential for promoting our social well-being in areas such as energy systems, transportation and industrial processes. This doctoral student position will be embedded in our Laboratory and is jointly supervised by the Urban Energy Systems Laboratory of Empa and Automatic Control Laboratory of ETH Zurich.

In the framework of the NCCR Automation, we are looking for a motivated doctoral student to investigate and develop methods which target energy system design and operation jointly. To date, the traditional methods of planning and operating energy systems have been mostly separated. A particular focus of our novel approach lies on investigating bi-level optimization and/or diffusing timescale methods which serve as candidates for energy system related applications. Challenges encompass - among others – harmonizing the differing design and control objectives, bridge the differing timescales of interest and comparing and contrasting candidate approaches. We plan to utilize historical data in the Empa's NEST demonstrator and its multi-energy backbone to design and test novel electrical and thermal energy management systems. Later in the doctorate we envision real-life deployment of the resulting methods to the design of the energy system of a district in Switzerland.

Your goal will be to translate your own research ideas to tackle these challenges, in close collaboration with our interdisciplinary team and external scientific and industry partners. As part of this process, you will support our master students, publish in scientific journals, and participate in conferences.

You are a highly motivated and dedicated candidate with an MSc degree in Energy, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering (or related field). You have an active interest in the on-going energy transition and in developing automation solutions to help make it a reality. Strong programming, modelling and data analysis skills in Python support you in contributing to our ongoing software development efforts. Your spoken and written English skills help you navigate our international environment.

We are offering a multifaceted and challenging position in a modern research environment with excellent infrastructure. The ideal starting date is August 2024 with a planned duration of 4 years.

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 in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

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 in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including

• a letter of motivation
• CV
• certificates and diplomas
• contact details of two reference persons

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Professor John Lygeros (jlygeros@ethz.ch) or Mr. Philipp Heer (Philipp.Heer@empa.ch); applications sent to these email addresses will not be considered.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.