PhD in the Design of Integrated District Heating and Cooling Systems

Empa; Dübendorf; Vor Ort; CHF 50’000 - 70’000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Switzerland, Empa, is looking for a motivated PhD candidate to specialize in designing integrated district heating and cooling systems as part of a sustainable urban energy project. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in Engineering, strong skills in programming, data analysis, and a solid understanding of renewable energy systems. This position offers an engaging research environment and the opportunity to contribute significantly to urban energy challenges.

Leistungen

Excellent infrastructure

Multicultural work environment

Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in Engineering or related field required.
• Interdisciplinary expertise in energy transitions and district heating.
• Strong skills in programming, modelling, and data analysis.

Aufgaben

• Design integrated district heating and cooling systems.
• Analyze demand-side measures and conduct real-world case studies.
• Supervise master's students and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Kenntnisse

Data analysis

Programming

Modelling

Math optimization

Multi-energy systems knowledge

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Engineering

Jobbeschreibung

PhD in the Design of Integrated District Heating and Cooling Systems

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Urban Energy Systems Laboratory (UESL) pioneers strategies, solutions, and methods to support the development of sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban energy systems. Our work combines technology and policy with systems thinking and practical implementation, always grounded in real-world urban challenges. As part of the SWEET DecarbCH project (Decarbonization of Heating and Cooling), we are seeking a motivated and qualified PhD candidate to design integrated district heating and cooling systems. Future thermal networks based on renewable and waste heat sources will need to integrate multiple supply options with varying temperature levels. To support effective planning, energy professionals at the district and city level must be able to rapidly evaluate the performance of diverse technology configurations, including various network topologies and operational strategies.

Your tasks

The focus of this research lies in enhancing techno-economic datasets, designing integrated district heating and cooling systems, analyzing the impact of demand-side measures, and conducting real-world case studies in the City of Zürich. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable guidelines for energy planners. The candidate is expected to develop and implement innovative research ideas to address these challenges, working closely with our interdisciplinary team as well as external scientific and industry partners. Additional responsibilities include supervising master's students, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting at international conferences.

Your profile

You are a highly motivated and dedicated candidate with a Master's degree in Engineering or a related field. You bring interdisciplinary expertise in energy transitions, with a solid understanding of district heating and cooling, renewable energy integration, multi-energy systems, and energy conversion and storage technologies. You have strong skills in programming, modelling, and data analysis. Experience in formulating and solving mathematical optimization problems is an asset. Proficiency in English is required; good comprehension and oral communication skills in German are desirable.

Our offer

We offer a multifaceted and challenging position in a modern research environment with excellent infrastructure. The PhD candidate is intended to be enrolled at the Chair of Energy Efficiency at the University of Geneva (Prof. Martin Patel), pending formal approval. The ideal starting date is October 2025, or upon mutual agreement.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

Patricia Nitzsche,
Stv. Leiterin Human Resources / Dep. Head Human Resources

Questions?

Dr Binod Koirala Write an email

Group Leader Buildings & Cities
Urban Energy Systems

https://uesl.empa.ch

Your future place of work

Empa
Ueberlandstrasse 129
8600 Dübendorf

Empa as an employer

Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities

Creating added value for society

International, multicultural working environment

Freedom to create and develop

Culture of inclusion and respect

Excellent balance between different areas of life

Multiple award-winning and certified employer

Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.

Good to know

Empa website

Working in Switzerland

Employment process

Conditions of employment

Apply now