PhD Position: Electricity Market Design in the Energy Transition and System Security ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zürich invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on electricity market design in the context of the energy transition and its implications for system security. The research will address the challenges posed by increasing shares of renewable energy, new technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles, and evolving European regulations like the 70% utilization rule. The project aims to assess the impact of balancing reserves, market integration, and cross-border trade on electricity prices and grid reliability, with a particular focus on the European and Swiss contexts.

The successful candidate will join the RRE group and work with advanced modeling tools, including Euroem (a European electricity market model) and Cascades (a power system security and transmission expansion planning model). The research will involve developing and upgrading these models to analyze cross-market bidding strategies, portfolio management, and the integration of new technologies. Real-world data from the ENTSO-E transparency platform and future scenarios up to 2050 will be utilized to answer key research questions about market design, system security, and the impact of policy changes.

The position offers a competitive salary according to ETH standards, access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure, and the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment. ETH Zürich is committed to diversity, sustainability, and providing a supportive environment for career development. The university is renowned for its excellence in science and technology, fostering independent thinking and innovative research.

Applicants should have or be close to completing an MSc in Power Engineering, Energy Science, or a related field, with strong quantitative skills in electricity markets or power system analysis. Experience with programming (Python, MATLAB), market-clearing algorithms, stochastic optimization, or agent-based modeling is highly desirable. Excellent English communication skills are required.

To apply, submit your CV, cover letter, and transcripts via the ETH Zürich online application portal. Only applications submitted through the portal will be considered. For more information about the RRE group and ETH Zürich, please visit the university's website.