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