Postdoctoral Researcher: Technologies and Policies for Carbon Dioxide Removal ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zurich’s Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG), led by Prof. Dr. Tobias Schmidt and Dr. Bjarne Steffen, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on technologies and policies for carbon dioxide removal (CDR).

The EPG is an interdisciplinary group focused on public policy and private sector strategies to accelerate investments in low-carbon technologies, especially within the energy sector. The group’s research supports the Paris Agreement’s goals by exploring deep decarbonization and the role of CDR in achieving net zero emissions. Over the past four years, EPG has contributed to understanding the cost reduction potential of CDR technologies and the design of effective public policies, influencing both the global modeling community and policymakers in Switzerland and Europe.

The successful candidate will join the SWEET ACHIEVE consortium, which aims to assess the potential for atmospheric CO2 removal in Switzerland and globally. Research will center on the cost and deployment potential of a wide range of CDR technologies, including direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), enhanced rock weathering (ERW), biochar, and biomass sinking. There is flexibility for the candidate to focus on specific technologies or regions, and opportunities exist to collaborate with integrated assessment modelers and use mixed-method research designs.

Applicants should have a PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant field such as industrial engineering, environmental sciences, public policy, economics, or business. Interdisciplinary backgrounds are welcome, and prior experience with CDR is advantageous but not required. Candidates must be committed to rigorous, policy-relevant research, work well in teams, and be highly proficient in English.

The position offers a dynamic, entrepreneurial research environment at ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s leading research universities. The postdoc will have opportunities to contribute to the group’s research agenda, co-advise students, and collaborate with leading scholars and institutions worldwide. The initial contract is for two years, with a competitive salary and excellent career development prospects. The start date is negotiable, preferably in Q1 2026.

ETH Zurich values diversity, equality, and sustainability, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Applications must be submitted online, including a motivation letter, CV, references, academic transcripts, and a writing sample.

The review of applications begins December 1, 2025, and continues until the position is filled. For questions about the position, contact Dr. Bjarne Steffen at [email protected] (no applications via email).