PhD in the Design of Integrated District Heating and Cooling Systems 100%

"As Switzerland's incubator for innovation, Empa's research provides answers to the most pressing challenges facing industry." Prof. Dr. Katharina Maniura, Biointerfaces "Empa's research on the highest international level plays a leading role in the advancement of technology." Prof. Dr. Ayodhya Nath Tiwari, Thin Films and Photovoltaics "Empa's materials science and technology research is of great benefit to society in the fields of energy, mobility, environment, construction and health." Prof. Dr. Bernd Nowack, Technology and Society "For my research projects I use first-class equipment. This is extremely important in dynamic 3D radiography." Dr. Ameet Aiyangar, Mechanical Systems Engineering "Empa offers good employment conditions and supports equal opportunities. I consider this very important." Irene Ferretto, Advanced Materials Processing "Empa has sites in three attractive regions in Switzerland. This also ensures a good quality of life." Dr. Shanyu Zhao, Building Energy Materials and Components "We enjoy working in a team. For us it is important that Empa pursues topics like sustainability and innovation." Michael Levy and Nikola Tatalovic, Finances/Controlling "My work is exciting and highly diverse – and I am right there when research projects are being implemented in NEST, Empa's research and innovation building." Yannic Trüb, Real Estate Management "At Empa I value the good work environment and international collaboration." Subas Scheibler, Particles-Biology Interactions PhD in the Design of Integrated District Heating and Cooling Systems Share Apply now Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.The Urban Energy Systems Laboratory (UESL) pioneers strategies, solutions, and methods to support the development of sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban energy systems. Our work combines technology and policy with systems thinking and practical implementation, always grounded in real-world urban challenges. As part of the SWEET DecarbCH project (Decarbonization of Heating and Cooling), we are seeking a motivated and qualified PhD candidate to design integrated district heating and cooling systems. Future thermal networks based on renewable and waste heat sources will need to integrate multiple supply options with varying temperature levels. To support effective planning, energy professionals at the district and city level must be able to rapidly evaluate the performance of diverse technology configurations, including various network topologies and operational strategies. Your tasks The focus of this research lies in enhancing techno-economic datasets, designing integrated district heating and cooling systems, analyzing the impact of demand-side measures, and conducting real-world case studies in the City of Zürich. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable guidelines for energy planners. The candidate is expected to develop and implement innovative research ideas to address these challenges, working closely with our interdisciplinary team as well as external scientific and industry partners. Additional responsibilities include supervising master's students, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting at international conferences. Your profile You are a highly motivated and dedicated candidate with a Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field. You bring interdisciplinary expertise in energy transitions, with a solid understanding of district heating and cooling, renewable energy integration, multi-energy systems, and energy conversion and storage technologies. You have strong skills in programming, modelling, and data analysis. Experience in formulating and solving mathematical optimization problems is an asset. Proficiency in English is required; good comprehension and oral communication skills in German are desirable. Our offer We offer a multifaceted and challenging position in a modern research environment with excellent infrastructure. The PhD candidate is intended to be enrolled at the Chair of Energy Efficiency at the University of Geneva (Prof. Martin Patel), pending formal approval. The ideal starting date is October 2025, or upon mutual agreement.We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities – that's what counts.We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.PatriciaNitzsche, Stv. Leiterin Human Resources / Dep. Head Human Resources Questions? DrBinodKoirala Group Leader Buildings & Cities Urban Energy Systems https://uesl.empa.ch Your future place of work Empa Ueberlandstrasse 129 8600Dübendorf Empa as an employer Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities Creating added value for society International, multicultural working environment Freedom to create and develop Culture of inclusion and respect Excellent balance between different areas of life Multiple award-winning and certified employer Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc. Good to know Empa website Working in Switzerland Employment process Conditions of employment Apply now