Postdoctoral Researcher on hybrid AI-optimization modelling

Description

The Energy Science Center (ESC) at ETH Zurich is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team working at the forefront of hybrid AI-optimization modelling. This position focuses on the design of AI-based surrogates of large-scale energy system models and will be integrated in the activities of the Nexus-e group with close links to the ETH AI Center and the Reliability and Risk Engineering Lab.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other researchers to develop high-fidelity emulators for large-scale, energy system optimization models
• Lead the design and implementation of innovative methods, which could include but are not limited to: Kriging surrogate, Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE), and Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs)
• Contribute to the strategic direction of research
• Publish high-impact research in leading journals and present findings at international conferences on energy systems and machine learning
• Collaborate with industry partner to tackle challenges of practical relevance

Profile

Interested candidates should meet the following requirements to be eligible for the position:

• A PhD or Doctoral degree in Energy Systems, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a field focused on the intersection of Machine Learning and Optimization
• Proven expertise in surrogate modelling, specifically in designing neural architectures for emulating constrained optimization problems
• Advanced programming skills in Python, with deep experience in libraries such as PyTorch, Pyomo, and the broader scientific stack (Xarray, Pandas). Knowledge of MATLAB is desired but not a requirement
• A strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals involving advanced emulation or physics-aware AI
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and multicultural research teams, bridging the gap between data science and energy engineering
• Proficiency in English is required

Workplace

We offer:

• A young, dynamic and interdisciplinary research team addressing energy system challenges.
• An attractive research position in high-impact projects, at one of the world’s leading universities with a central workplace in Zurich.
• Competitive salaries paid according to ETH standards.
• Numerous benefits and flexible, family-friendly working conditions.
• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society

The planned duration of the initial contract is one year, to be extended based on continued funding and successful performance.

Application

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A letter of motivation (max one page)
• CV, including publications
• Two key outputs (these could be publications, software code, projects, etc)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information please contact Dr. Jonas Savelsberg, Head of the Nexus-e group via e-mail (jonas.savelsberg@esc.ethz.ch). More information about the Energy Science Center is available on our website.