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.

You are expected to conduct research toward a net-zero economy, focusing on the innovation, scale-up, and diffusion of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). While your work includes understanding technological advancements, your research should address broader organizational, institutional, or technological questions to comprehensively tackle climate challenges, for example:

• How can we build innovation ecosystems that facilitate the development of CDR technologies?
• Which policy designs enhance – or hinder – the adoption of CDR?
• What are effective governance structures for carbon markets to support CDR?
• How can entrepreneurship & finance contribute to scaling CDR technologies?
• Which role could CDR play in companies' climate strategies?

Your profile fits particularly well with our ongoing research if you have worked on novel CDR methods with a technology aspect such as direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) or bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).

Your work is scientifically rigorous and at the same time relevant to industry and policymakers. 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 crafting 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 previous activities reflect a strong interest in climate challenges on a systemic and/or organizational level and pathways to net zero. You hold a PhD in a relevant field related to management, applied economics, or policy studies, or a PhD in engineering or climate science if paired with experience in a social science discipline. We welcome applications from both qualitative and quantitative researchers. 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. 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.

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 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 winter 2024/25. Note that this role is based in Zurich, Switzerland – remote work from outside of Switzerland is not possible due to legal constraints.

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

• Your CV
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
• An outline of your research interests (maximum 2 pages)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our 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 Niklas Stolz (no applications). For recruitment services, the general terms and conditions of ETH Zurich apply.

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.