PhD Position in Operational Feasibility and Robustness of AI- and Multifractal-Inspired Urban Energy Systems Empa in Switzerland

Empa, a leading research institution within the ETH Domain in Switzerland, offers a PhD position in the Urban Energy Systems Laboratory (UESL) as part of the FRACNET-CITY project—a French-Swiss collaboration funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The UESL is renowned for pioneering strategies and methods to develop sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban energy systems, combining technology, policy, and systems thinking to address real-world urban challenges.

This PhD project focuses on the operational feasibility and robustness of urban energy system designs informed by artificial intelligence and multifractal analysis. The successful candidate will develop and apply optimization-based energy system models to evaluate whether spatially coherent urban and energy configurations can be operated efficiently under realistic physical, spatial, and infrastructural constraints. The research aims to identify feasible operating patterns for electricity and heating systems at district and urban scales, and to study how spatial characteristics and uncertainty—such as demand evolution and renewable generation—impact system performance and trade-offs.

The project involves analytical modelling, data-driven and AI-based methods for scenario generation and uncertainty exploration, and will use both synthetic test cases and real urban case studies in Switzerland and France. Collaboration with partner institutions within the FRACNET-CITY consortium is integral, including opportunities for research stays in France and Switzerland.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Engineering, Energy Systems, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Physics, or a related field, with a strong analytical background and experience in optimization models and quantitative analysis. Familiarity with urban energy systems, energy infrastructures, or spatial modelling is highly valued. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB is required, and candidates should be self-driven, curious, and able to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams. English proficiency is mandatory; knowledge of German and/or French is advantageous.

The position offers a stimulating research environment, excellent infrastructure, and close collaboration with experts in energy systems, spatial analysis, and artificial intelligence. The starting date is flexible, ideally September 2026 or upon mutual agreement. Empa fosters a culture of inclusion and respect, welcoming candidates interested in innovative, sustainable, and meaningful research.

To apply, submit your complete online application via the Empa job portal, including a letter of motivation, CV, transcripts of all obtained degrees (in English), and one publication (such as an MSc thesis or a conference/journal publication, link is sufficient). Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered. For further details and to apply, use the provided application link.