Tobias Schmidt

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).

The Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) at ETH Zürich is offering a fully funded doctoral position focused on innovation economics and policy for climate resilience. This research opportunity is embedded within the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) CLIM+, a major Swiss initiative aimed at strengthening societal resilience to climate extremes. The EPG, led by Professors Tobias Schmidt and Bjarne Steffen, is an interdisciplinary group investigating the role of public policy in technological change, with a strong emphasis on actionable climate research and knowledge transfer. The doctoral project will explore how knowledge localization and innovation can enhance economic resilience in the face of climate change, particularly regarding supply chain disruptions and strategic technologies such as energy systems. The research will involve empirical studies using patent and innovation data, and aims to provide policy advice to improve resilience for economies facing climate-related risks. The position is part of the Einstein School’s doctoral program and is expected to be completed within three years. Applicants should have (or be close to finishing) a master’s degree in economics, management, innovation studies, industrial engineering, public policy, or a related discipline. Interdisciplinary candidates are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will be scientifically rigorous, team-oriented, and proficient in English. All nationalities are welcome, and a Swiss work permit is not required at the time of application. Upon employment, the official place of residence must be in Switzerland. ETH Zürich offers an entrepreneurial research environment within a dynamic team at one of Europe’s leading research universities. The group collaborates with prominent national and international academic and policy institutions, including CMCC, MIT, Princeton University, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and the World Economic Forum. As a member of ETH’s Albert Einstein School of Public Policy, candidates will benefit from frequent interactions with policymakers and leading Swiss research institutions. The position is centrally located in Zurich, Switzerland, with a negotiable starting date in Q2 or Q3 2026. ETH Zürich values diversity, sustainability, and equal opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture and climate-neutral future. The review of applications will begin on April 13, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. To apply, submit your application online via the ETH Zurich portal, including a letter of motivation, CV, contact information for two references, university diplomas or transcripts, and a sample of your written work. Please indicate your preferred starting date in your letter of motivation. For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Bjarne Steffen at [email protected] (no applications by email). This is an excellent opportunity for doctoral candidates interested in innovation economics, climate resilience, and public policy to contribute to impactful research at a world-leading institution.

ETH Zürich’s Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) invites applications for two PhD positions focused on the innovation and policy of energy storage. These positions are part of the RESTORATIVE project, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), which aims to accelerate the green transition through grid-scale energy storage research. The RESTORATIVE consortium trains 17 PhD students across 7 universities and 4 companies, with research themes spanning technological development, reliability, integration, socioeconomic and environmental assessment, and policy/regulation. The successful candidates will join the Einstein School’s doctoral program at ETH Zürich, one of Europe’s leading research universities. The positions are for three years, starting in September 2026, and will focus on the competitiveness of various long-term stationary energy storage technologies. Research will involve innovation theory-based frameworks and system dynamic modelling to analyze technology competitiveness and the impact of trade disruptions on 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 international institutions such as CMCC, MIT, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and the World Economic Forum. Applicants should hold 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 to apply. Proficiency in English and a team-oriented working style are required. Eligibility is subject to MSCA mobility rules: candidates must have spent less than 12 months in Switzerland in the 36 months before recruitment. All nationalities are welcome, and a Swiss work permit is not required at the time of application. ETH Zürich values diversity, sustainability, and equal opportunity. The university promotes an inclusive culture and a climate-neutral future. The PhD students will be supervised by Prof. Tobias Schmidt (main supervisor) and Prof. Bjarne Steffen (second supervisor), with opportunities to contribute to EPG’s research agenda and co-advise master’s and doctoral students. To apply, submit your application online by 26 April 2026, including a letter of motivation, CV, contact information for two references, diplomas/transcripts, and a sample of written work. Applications are only accepted through the ETH Zurich portal. For questions, contact Prof. Schmidt at [email protected] (no applications via email). ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and global connections. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries contribute to its vibrant academic community, working together to address global challenges.