Doctoral Researcher in Energy Systems, Data Centers and Digitalization

Doctoral Researcher in Energy Systems, Data Centers and Digitalization
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Chair of Energy Systems Analysis (ESA), within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich, is recruiting a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher to work broadly in the area of energy systems analysis. The ESA Chair is headed by Prof. Dr Russell McKenna and generally focuses on the energy system analysis of low-carbon energy systems and technologies, by working at the intersection of engineering and economics to develop and apply energy system models to diverse energy systems and research questions. The Chair holder's joint appointment as the Head of the Laboratory of Energy Systems Analysis at PSI means a strong collaboration with this group and regular presence is also required.

Project background

This position is linked to the SNSF-financed, 4-year project "LOCO-DC" - Locational optimization of data centers in multi-energy systems, led by Dr. Fabian Heymann, Senior Researcher at ESA.

The proposed research project will develop and apply a transformative energy systems and spatial planning approach to effectively integrate data centers into multi-energy systems, considering their spatially- and temporally-varying benefits and constraints. The project will lay the foundations for more accurate decisions in energy system planning and contribute to the advancing of co-optimizing digital and energy infrastructures.

Job description

Your primary responsibility will therefore be to carry out the research related to LOCO-DC and establish cutting-edge energy system models.

As part of your responsibility, you will also have the opportunity to supervise and work closely with MSc. and BSc. students at the Chair. Opportunities for external collaboration with both academic and industry partners at other institutions will be plentiful, and promising collaborations with top external colleagues will be encouraged.

Furthermore, a strong involvement is expected in the coordination and management of various other research aspects of the group's activities and projects, potentially including:

• Organisation of conferences and seminars within and beyond ETH
• Assisting in other collaborative research projects
• Participation in teaching and outreach activities is optional but encouraged

Profile

• Master degree in energy engineering, economics or spatial planning / geoinformatics or a closely-related field, with a strong interest in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), engineering/economics, quantitative model-based analysis (MSc. near to completion may be considered)
• Academic background and interest in at least one and ideally several: energy system integration, sector coupling, decentralized energy systems, multi-energy systems, energy economics, resource assessment methods using GIS.
• High motivation, ambition and enthusiasm about energy research, an analytical mindset, attention to detail, self-driven, and ability to work independently and as a research team member
• Experience in data analytics, visualization would be advantageous
• Strong interpersonal skills and good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

You will receive a full-time employment contract and a competitive salary in accordance with ETH standards. Additionally, support for conference travel and research expenses will be available.

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 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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae including educational history (diploma), awards, etc.
• Cover letter/motivation statement covering your interests, goals, and how you see your fit to ESA Chair's research domain and activities.
• Names and contact details of at least two references, mentioning for each of them the professional relationship you have with them.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information only please contact Dr. Fabian Heymann ) (no applications) at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering.

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