PhD in Energy System Modelling with Emphasis on Social Dimensions 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 Energy System Modelling with Emphasis on Social Dimensions 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 SWEET CoSi project (Co-Evolution and Coordinated Simulation of the Swiss Energy System and Swiss Society), we are seeking a motivated and qualified PhD candidate to develop neighbourhood- and district-scale energy system models that incorporate a stronger Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) perspective. By embedding societal dynamics, such models aim to capture a wider range of future uncertainties and insights beyond conventional techno-economic approaches. Your tasks The focus of this research is to advance energy system models by systematically embedding Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) aspects, such as household decision-making, willingness to invest, adoption of renewable energy technologies, and social acceptance of innovations. The goal of the PhD is to develop validation methods, best practices, and datasets tailored for energy system models with integrated SSH components. A key validation environment for this work will be Empa’s NEST demonstrator, a vertical energy district and living lab that enables real-world testing of technologies and behavioral assumptions. The candidate will be expected to translate research ideas into practical approaches to address these challenges, working closely with our interdisciplinary team and external academic and industry partners. 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 on energy transitions, with a solid understanding of renewable energy integration, multi-energy systems, and energy conversion and storage technologies. You have strong programming, modelling, and data analysis skills. Experience with formulating and solving mathematical optimization problems is an asset. Proficiency in English is required; good comprehension and oral 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 Renewable Energy Systems group at the University of Geneva (Prof. Evelina Trutnevyte), 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