The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

For the Energy Economics Group at the Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis at PSI Centers for Nuclear Engineering and Sciences and Energy and Environmental Sciences we are looking for a

Scientist in Energy Economics

Your tasks

  • Initiate and lead the development of energy-economic models for Switzerland, incorporating interactions among key actors (consumers, firms, utilities, etc.) and systems (energy, economy and environment)
  • Facilitate linking of these models with the existing TIMES energy system modelling framework
  • Expand the economy sector within the integrated assessment model MERGE-ETL
  • Lead model-based long-term scenario analyses of policy issues relevant to economic and distributional impacts of the energy transition, including social implications and environmental challenges
  • Ensure quality control for the analytical outputs
  • Supervise scientists and students
  • Write research proposals and lead project coordination
  • Publish research outputs in leading scientific journals, disseminate and communicate results to diverse stakeholders
  • Contribute to teaching and supervision connected to the Energy Systems Analysis Chair at ETH Zurich

Your profile

  • PhD degree in economics/applied economics/finance or energy and environmental economics /resources economics or related field
  • Minimum 3 years of post-PhD experience in applied economics related to energy transition, such as dynamic methods in economics or general equilibrium modelling, with a good publication record
  • Excellent knowledge of climate change, economics, energy and environmental policy, as well as of energy transition challenges
  • Extensive experience in project acquisition, management and supervision of junior staff in parallel projects
  • Proficient use of modelling languages such as GAMS to solve large-scale models
  • Knowledge about techno-economic characteristics of energy technologies and systems is highly desirable
  • Excellent writing and communication skills in English. Knowledge of the German language is an asset

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

This is a Tenure Track position. The employment contract will initially be limited to 3 years.

For further information, please contact Dr Evangelos Panos , phone +41 56 310 26 75.

Please submit your application online by 31 January 2025 (including list of publications, research statement and addresses of referees) for the position as a Scientist (index no. 4502-01).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Adina Keller, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland