Postdoctoral Researcher in Techno-institutional Design of Community PV 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 Postdoctoral Researcher in Techno-institutional Design of Community PV 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. Within the framework of the Horizon Europe SOCIAREM project (SOlar Open Community Instruments for All Residents in Europe and the Mediterranean region), we are seeking a motivated and experienced postdoctoral researcher to investigate the techno-institutional design of community PV systems. SOCIAREM aims to accelerate the adoption and improve the profitability of photovoltaic systems within renewable energy communities by overcoming existing barriers through innovative, implementable solutions that integrate collective and self-consumption schemes. Your tasks The focus of this postdoctoral position lies in demonstrating the real-time optimization of community PV systems, e-mobility, and edge data center integration at the Swiss pilot site hosted at Empa’s NEST demonstrator. The role involves coordinating the deployment and validation of advanced planning and energy management solutions that enhance self-consumption by intelligently controlling PV systems, batteries, electric vehicle charging, heat pumps, and thermal storage. Beyond the technical implementation, the candidate will contribute to the development of regulatory frameworks, business models, and social analyses that enable broader adoption of community PV. This interdisciplinary position bridges engineering, policy, and user-centric perspectives, and includes stakeholder engagement through workshops and training activities. The candidate is expected to translate research ideas into practical solutions in close collaboration with our interdisciplinary team and external academic and industry partners. Responsibilities also include supporting master's and PhD students, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and participating in international conferences. Your profile You are a highly motivated and dedicated candidate with a PhD in Engineering, Energy Systems, or a related field. You bring interdisciplinary expertise in energy transitions, with a solid understanding of photovoltaics, 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, as well as working on real-world demonstrators, 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 position is offered initally for two years, with possibility of extension. 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