Empa - the place where innovation starts
Empa is the research institute for materials science and technology of the ETH Domain and conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of industry and the well-being of society.
The Urban Energy Systems Laboratory develops models and concepts for the planning and operation decentralized energy system technologies based on renewable energy and innovative districts, including prototypes and demonstration plants. To strengthen our scientific team we are looking for a
Postdoc in building energy systems control
You will join a funded project on "dynamic grid tariffs for demand side management and electrical grid support" where building control synthesis, network security and evaluation of different dynamic tariffs to optimally distribute the demand side flexibility among several stakeholders are key topics.
You will develop control methods and pipelines for several archetypical building and districts, as well as specific demonstration buildings for real life validation. You will have the freedom to develop and execute your research ideas in close collaboration with our team and our external scientific and industry partners.
You will support the dissemination of research findings across the community, which includes collaborating with other lab members and institutes and publishing in scientific journals and conferences. Open science principles are strongly supported/encouraged.
Your tasks
- Development of dynamic tariff-based models and controllers in the domain of building, mobility and district energy systems
- Experimental validation of developments on the Empa demonstrators (NEST, move, ehub)
- Publish in scientific journals and conference proceedings
- Project coordination and project ideation
- Support of project acquisition
- Supervise MSc students and Co-supervise PhD students
Your profile
- PhD related to control of energy and/or building systems
- Applied experience in buildings and energy systems simulation and control
- Prior experience or knowledge of power systems, Swiss power grid markets, Swiss energy strategy and/or regulatory frameworks/policies is an advantage
- Open science mindset
- Experience in using Python is preferable
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory, German language skills are a strong plus
We offer a stimulating, international and collaborative research environment at a leading research institution with an excellent infrastructure and a broad interdisciplinary surrounding. As an institution of the ETH Domain, we offer good employment conditions and plenty of opportunities for your professional development. The workplace is Dübendorf, close to Zürich. The contract will be initially limited to two years with a possibility of extension. The position is available form March 1st 2023 or upon agreement.