Postdoctoral Researcher: Technologies and Policies for Carbon Dioxide Removal 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
ETH Zürich
Contattare
Postdoctoral Researcher: Technologies and Policies for Carbon Dioxide Removal
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
ETH Zurich’s Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) is looking for a postdoc working on technologies and policies
for carbon dioxide removal. Led by Prof. Dr. Tobias Schmidt and Dr. Bjarne Steffen, EPG is an interdisciplinary
research group investigating options for public policy and for private actors to accelerate investments in new
low-carbon technologies, particularly in the broader energy sector.
Project background
Meeting the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to well below 2°C requires a deep decarbonization of
energy systems. At the same time, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is needed to balance residual emissions on the path to
net zero and to manage overshoot through net-negative CO2 removals. Since about four years, our group studies the
potential contribution of CDR technologies to climate action, particularly concerning the cost reduction potential with
increasing deployment, and the design of public policies for CDR. Our highly visible research informs the global
modeling community and policymakers on the Swiss and European level. Now, we are seeking a postdoc to expand our
interdisciplinary work on the matter, collaborating with our team and an outstanding CDR ecosystem at ETH Zurich and in
Switzerland more generally.
The research will be part of the recently established SWEET ACHIEVE consortium, which – among others – aims to assess
the potential for CO2 removal from the atmosphere in Switzerland and globally.
Job description
- The research will focus on the cost and deployment potential for a broad range of CDR technologies and solutions
that are relevant in a Swiss and European context, including direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS), bioenergy
with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), enhanced rock weathering (ERW), biochar, and biomass sinking.
- Depending on the candidate’s interest, there is some flexibility concerning technological or regional foci. The
project also provides the opportunity to collaborate. with integrated assessment modelers, and to employ mixed-method
(quant and qual) research designs.
Profile
- PhD degree (or close to finishing their PhD) in a relevant field, including (but not limited to): (industrial)
engineering, environmental sciences, public policy, economics, business. Interdisciplinary candidates are welcome.
- Some previous work on CDR is clearly an asset, though we are also open to candidates that are very interested in
working on CDR but have focused on different technologies or climate solutions before.
- You should be dedicated to scientifically rigorous work that is also relevant to decision makers in the public and
private sectors.
- Your working style is team-oriented, and you are highly proficient in English.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
We offer an entrepreneurial research atmosphere within a dynamic team at continental Europe’s leading research
university. Candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to EPG’s research agenda and are encouraged to co-advice
master’s students and potentially doctoral students. As a member of ETH’s Albert Einstein School of Public Policy and
ETH’s Energy Science Center, our group benefits from frequent interactions with leading scholars in other energy- and
policy-related fields. Furthermore, we collaborate with other national and international academic and policy
institutions (e.g., CMCC, the MIT, Princeton University, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and the
World Economic Forum). The starting date is negotiable, preferred in Q1 2026. The position is initially for two years,
and based in Zurich, Switzerland, where our offices are located very centrally. The salary is very competitive, and the
position offers excellent opportunities to develop an academic career.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently
working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application with the following documents:
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Contact information of two references (no recommendation letters required at this point)
- University diplomas or transcripts, and a sample of your written work (a paper or a chapter of your doctoral
dissertation)
- All nationals can apply, an existing work permit for Switzerland is not required at time of application
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via
email or postal services will not be considered.
The review of applications will start on December 1, 2025. The position will remain open until it is filled. Questions
regarding the position should be directed to Bjarne Steffen by email: bjarne.steffen@gess.ethz.ch (no applications).
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial
intelligence.
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.
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.
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
ETH Zurich’s Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) is looking for a postdoc working on technologies and policies
for carbon dioxide removal. Led by Prof. Dr. Tobias Schmidt and Dr. Bjarne Steffen, EPG is an interdisciplinary
research group investigating options for public policy and for private actors to accelerate investments in new
low-carbon technologies, particularly in the broader energy sector.
Project background
Meeting the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to well below 2°C requires a deep decarbonization of
energy systems. At the same time, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is needed to balance residual emissions on the path to
net zero and to manage overshoot through net-negative CO2 removals. Since about four years, our group studies the
potential contribution of CDR technologies to climate action, particularly concerning the cost reduction potential with
increasing deployment, and the design of public policies for CDR. Our highly visible research informs the global
modeling community and policymakers on the Swiss and European level. Now, we are seeking a postdoc to expand our
interdisciplinary work on the matter, collaborating with our team and an outstanding CDR ecosystem at ETH Zurich and in
Switzerland more generally.
The research will be part of the recently established SWEET ACHIEVE consortium, which – among others – aims to assess
the potential for CO2 removal from the atmosphere in Switzerland and globally.
Job description
- The research will focus on the cost and deployment potential for a broad range of CDR technologies and solutions
that are relevant in a Swiss and European context, including direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS), bioenergy
with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), enhanced rock weathering (ERW), biochar, and biomass sinking.
- Depending on the candidate’s interest, there is some flexibility concerning technological or regional foci. The
project also provides the opportunity to collaborate. with integrated assessment modelers, and to employ mixed-method
(quant and qual) research designs.
Profile
- PhD degree (or close to finishing their PhD) in a relevant field, including (but not limited to): (industrial)
engineering, environmental sciences, public policy, economics, business. Interdisciplinary candidates are welcome.
- Some previous work on CDR is clearly an asset, though we are also open to candidates that are very interested in
working on CDR but have focused on different technologies or climate solutions before.
- You should be dedicated to scientifically rigorous work that is also relevant to decision makers in the public and
private sectors.
- Your working style is team-oriented, and you are highly proficient in English.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
We offer an entrepreneurial research atmosphere within a dynamic team at continental Europe’s leading research
university. Candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to EPG’s research agenda and are encouraged to co-advice
master’s students and potentially doctoral students. As a member of ETH’s Albert Einstein School of Public Policy and
ETH’s Energy Science Center, our group benefits from frequent interactions with leading scholars in other energy- and
policy-related fields. Furthermore, we collaborate with other national and international academic and policy
institutions (e.g., CMCC, the MIT, Princeton University, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and the
World Economic Forum). The starting date is negotiable, preferred in Q1 2026. The position is initially for two years,
and based in Zurich, Switzerland, where our offices are located very centrally. The salary is very competitive, and the
position offers excellent opportunities to develop an academic career.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently
working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application with the following documents:
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Contact information of two references (no recommendation letters required at this point)
- University diplomas or transcripts, and a sample of your written work (a paper or a chapter of your doctoral
dissertation)
- All nationals can apply, an existing work permit for Switzerland is not required at time of application
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via
email or postal services will not be considered.
The review of applications will start on December 1, 2025. The position will remain open until it is filled. Questions
regarding the position should be directed to Bjarne Steffen by email: bjarne.steffen@gess.ethz.ch (no applications).
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial
intelligence.
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.
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.