Postdoctoral or Senior Researcher in Carbon Strategies and Innovations

The Group for Sustainability and Technology (SusTec) within the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics of ETH Zurich investigates and improves the understanding of technological innovation, institutional dynamics, and organizational strategies as key drivers towards a decarbonized, circular economy. As part of the SusTec group of around 30 professionals, the Sustainability in Business Lab (sus.lab) further drives the sustainability transition in collaboration with industry, policymakers, and academia.

To strengthen the system-level perspective within our group, we are looking for a Postdoctoral or Senior Researcher in Carbon Strategies and Innovations.

Job description

You are expected to conduct research toward a net-zero economy, with a focus on strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, or policy in the context of carbon technologies and carbon markets. Your work is scientifically rigorous and at the same time relevant to industry and policymakers. Your empirical work could focus on energy or heavy industry but could also be sector-overarching if it relates to relevant mitigation pathways such as carbon dioxide removal (CDR). An integral part of your work consists of advising PhD and master students. By supporting some of the group’s diverse teaching activities, you are directly contributing to SusTec’s innovative approach to sustainability and helping bridge research and learning. Further, you will have the opportunity to contribute to shaping the group’s strategy, involve yourself in funding proposals and gain experience in leading research projects and teams.

In general, postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich have a full-time employment. A part-time employment may only be considered in exceptional cases (e.g. child- or familycare, other projects or employment)

Your profile

• Your previous activities reflect a strong interest in systemic climate challenges and the path to net zero
• You hold a PhD in management, transition studies, policy studies, or (ecological) economics, or a PhD in engineering or climate science paired with experience in a social science discipline
• Whether you recently finished your PhD or have some years of post-PhD research experience, you show a clear aspiration to pursue an academic career
• We welcome applications from both qualitative- and quantitative-oriented researchers
• Your excellent academic record underlines your potential to publish in top-ranked journals
• Your working style is team-oriented, and you have strong communication skills
• You are proficient in English; German is an additional asset but not required

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

We offer an entrepreneurial research atmosphere in a large and dynamic team at a globally leading academic institution. As a group, we benefit from frequent interactions with leading scholars in a vibrant community of net-zero research within and outside of ETH Zurich. We offer national and international development opportunities through several collaborations within academia and with industry. Further, you will have the option to collaborate closely with sus.lab, SusTec’s transdisciplinary think-and-do-tank, on more applied projects with companies and policymakers. The annual salary is very competitive. The position is initially limited to one year, with a potential for prolongation for several years. The starting date is negotiable, but we are aiming to fill this position by summer 2024. Note that this role is based in Zurich, Switzerland – remote work from outside of Switzerland is not possible due to legal constraints.

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application including

• your CV 
• cover letter,
• an outline of your research interests (maximum 2 pages)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through the online application portal. Applications via email will not be considered.

Further information about SusTec can be found here . Further information about sus.lab can be found here . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Oliver Akeret (no applications). 

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.