Bjarne Steffen

ETH Zurich’s Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) invites applications for a doctoral position in Innovation Economics and Policy for Climate Resilience. The research is part of the NCCR CLIM+ (National Centre of Competence in Research on Climate Extremes and Society), focusing on the role of knowledge and innovation in economic resilience under climate change. The project investigates how localization of knowledge can mitigate foreign supply shocks in strategic technologies, such as energy technologies. The doctoral student will conduct empirical studies using patent and innovation data, collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, and provide policy-relevant insights on economic resilience to climate extremes. The position involves co-advising master’s students and contributing to the EPG’s research agenda. The group is led by Prof. Tobias Schmidt and Prof. Bjarne Steffen and collaborates with leading institutions like MIT, Princeton, World Economic Forum, CMCC, and the Potsdam Institute. Applicants should hold or be close to finishing a master’s degree in economics, management, innovation studies, industrial engineering, public policy, or a related discipline. Candidates must have a strong interest in innovation, technologies, and climate resilience, be proficient in English, and demonstrate a team-oriented and scientifically rigorous approach. Interdisciplinary candidates are encouraged to apply. All nationalities are eligible, and a Swiss work permit is not required at the time of application. The official place of residence must be in Switzerland upon starting the position. This is a fully funded doctoral position for three years, offering a collaborative and entrepreneurial research environment at one of Europe’s leading research universities. ETH Zurich values diversity, sustainability, and equal opportunity. The position is based in central Zurich, Switzerland, with frequent interactions with policy makers and international academic networks. Application review starts on 13 April 2026 and continues until the position is filled. To apply, submit your application via the ETH Zurich online portal, including a letter of motivation, CV, contact information for two references, university diplomas or transcripts, and a sample of your written work. Indicate your possible starting date in the motivation letter. For questions, contact Prof. Bjarne Steffen at [email protected] (no applications by email).

ETH Zurich’s Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) is inviting applications for two PhD positions in Innovation and Policy of Energy Storage within the international RESTORATIVE project (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions). The project addresses a major energy-transition challenge: how to scale grid-scale energy storage technologies to support the green transition. The research focuses on the competitiveness of long-duration and stationary storage technologies beyond lithium-ion batteries, and on how innovation, policy, regulation, markets, trade disruptions, and geopolitical factors shape their deployment. Research methods include innovation theory frameworks , system dynamics modelling , and policy and economic analysis . The positions are embedded in an international doctoral network with 17 PhD researchers across 7 universities and 4 companies in 10 countries. Students will also intern with Siemens Energy and participate in an exchange at Imperial College London . Eligible applicants should hold a master’s degree in industrial engineering, energy engineering, innovation studies, technology management, or economics/public policy with an energy or technology focus. Strong analytical and research skills, team orientation, and fluency in English are required. The MSCA mobility rule applies: applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in Switzerland during the 36 months before recruitment. The positions are fully funded for 3 years and start in September 2026 . Applications must be submitted online to ETH Zurich by 26 April 2026 with a motivation letter, CV, referee contacts, transcripts/diplomas, and a writing sample. Supervision is by Prof. Tobias Schmidt and Prof. Bjarne Steffen at ETH Zurich. The group is part of ETH’s Albert Einstein School of Public Policy and Energy Science Center, with links to leading academic and policy institutions.

ETH Zurich’s Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) is offering two fully funded PhD positions focused on the innovation and policy of energy storage. The group, led by Professors Tobias Schmidt and Bjarne Steffen, investigates the role of public policy in technological change, with a strong interdisciplinary approach. These positions are part of the RESTORATIVE project, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Horizon Europe programme, which trains 17 PhD students across 7 universities and 4 companies in Europe. The research will be conducted within the Einstein School’s doctoral program and will span three years, starting in September 2026. The project centers on grid-scale energy storage technologies, examining their competitiveness, technological development, reliability, integration, socioeconomic and environmental impacts, and policy/regulation. The ETH Zurich PhD positions specifically focus on long-term stationary energy storage technologies, using innovation theory-based frameworks and system dynamic modelling to analyze competitiveness and the impact of potential trade disruptions. The research aims to inform energy policy, industrial policy, and geopolitical strategies. As part of the MSCA program, students will intern with Siemens Energy’s storage division and participate in academic exchange with the Energy Systems Lab at Imperial College London. The EPG group offers an entrepreneurial research atmosphere, frequent interactions with leading scholars, and collaborations with institutions such as CMCC, MIT, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and the World Economic Forum. Diversity, inclusion, and sustainability are core values at ETH Zurich. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in industrial engineering, energy engineering, innovation studies, technology management, or economics/public policy with an energy/technology focus. Interdisciplinary candidates are encouraged. Proficiency in English is required, and candidates must comply with MSCA mobility rules (less than 12 months in Switzerland in the past 36 months). Application materials include a letter of motivation, CV, contact information for two references, diplomas/transcripts, and a sample of written work. All nationalities are eligible, and a Swiss work permit is not required at the time of application. Applications are accepted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online portal. The deadline is 26 April 2026. For questions about the position, contact Prof. Schmidt at [email protected] (no application advice or phone consultations). For more information, visit the EPG website or the official job posting.

ETH Zurich is recruiting a PhD candidate for a project on the political economy of climate change adaptation policies , with a focus on adaptation , resilience , and the policy process around climate extremes. The position is part of the new NCCR CLIM+ consortium (Climate Extremes and Society), funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation . The doctoral researcher will study how climate adaptation and resilience policies are designed in Switzerland and beyond, including the role of extreme events in shaping policy processes. The project combines public policy theory with qualitative and quantitative empirical methods and is embedded in ETH Zurich’s Energy and Technology Policy Group and the Albert Einstein School of Public Policy. Eligibility highlights: a Master’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related social science; interdisciplinary profiles are welcome. Applicants should be highly proficient in English and in French and/or German. Familiarity with the Swiss political system is considered an advantage. The role also values strong teamwork and communication skills, and a commitment to rigorous research with policy relevance. Funding: the position is funded through the SNSF-backed NCCR CLIM+ consortium and follows the Swiss National Science Foundation PhD salary regulations. The doctorate is expected to last up to four years, with completion typically within 3–4 years. Application deadline: 21 June 2026. Apply only through the ETH Zurich online portal. Required documents include a motivation letter, CV with two references, university diplomas or transcripts, and a reading sample. Email or postal applications are not accepted. Research environment: ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s leading research universities, offers an interdisciplinary and highly relevant setting with collaboration across Swiss and international institutions. The broader NCCR CLIM+ network focuses on climate extremes, resilience, governance, economics, ethics, law, communication, and behavior change.