PhD student opening in Human-Environment Systems in Switzerland | ETH Zürich

The newly formed Human-Environment Systems (HES) group at ETH Zürich seeks to hire a PhD student, commencing as soon as possible, for a period of up to three years. Our group is part of the Institute for Environmental Decisions, within the Department for Environmental Systems Science. The student would pursue research within the thematic area of energy, development and security (HES:EDS) in an externally funded research project.

The HES:EDS thematic area concerns social and governance challenges and risks of a transition to a very large electricity system with high shares of renewables, spanning all of Europe, and possibly North Africa and the Middle East.

Qualifications and skills: We seek a person with some degree of background knowledge on energy systems, gained through study or work experience, who is interested in focusing on social science research questions involving quantitative and qualitative methods, leading to a continuing career in research. Suitable candidates will hold a master’s degree in a relevant social science (e.g. political science, sociology, economics) or interdisciplinary field (e.g. environmental studies, geography, public policy). Excellent command of oral and written English, and willingness to actively engage with new concepts and methods in an interdisciplinary and international team are essential requirements. Proficiency in German, French, or Arabic would be an advantage, but is not a requirement. Prior work or research experience in risk communication processes would also be an advantage.

Position: We intend the position to be the context within which the successful candidate will complete a PhD degree. This will entail a limited amount of coursework, the preparation of a self-motivated research plan consistent with the INSPIRE-Grid project obligations, and ultimately the writing of a number of separate research papers for publication in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. Depending on the candidate’s past course transcripts, the ETH Zürich doctoral program office may also require the successful applicant to pass one or more entrance examinations within the first year. PhD students at ETH Zürich also typically engage in some undergraduate teaching, participate in workshops and seminars, and take on limited administrative duties.

The position will start as soon as possible, and is intended to be for a period of three years, within which time the successful candidate will fulfil project commitments and complete a PhD. The initial contract will be for a period of one year, with a transparent review process to determine annual renewal.

The working location will be Zürich, Switzerland, with some work-related travel within and potentially outside of Europe. All members of the HES group contribute to and benefit from a dynamic, friendly, and supportive work environment, where they have the opportunity to pursue independent and self-motivated scholarship at the same time as they benefit from close collaboration with more senior colleagues, as well as a wide international network. We have a policy of supporting all HES group members in their professional development, including attending academic conferences and workshops, and assistance in preparing for their next professional step.

ETH Zürich consistently ranks among the top universities in the world, while the city of Zürich is one of the most liveable. Salaries and benefits are extremely competitive, and compensate for the high cost of living in Switzerland.

Application Deadline : 12 September 2013

For further information please follow the link.