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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

PhD position: Co-designing environmental transition pathways

Mission

Within an interdisciplinary research project on modelling social tipping points for the urban energy transition, we are offering a 100% PhD researcher position on “Co-designing environmental policies”. The position will be hosted by at the Laboratory of Landscape Development LAND in collaboration with the Laboratory for Human-Environment Relations in Urban Systems (HERUS), both at the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The research focus of LAND is on the coordination and moderation of different spatial demands on landscapes in terms of sustainable development. Currently, there is a focus on the ecological contributions to the necessary transformation of our cities. In addressing the related questions, we pursue a holistic understanding of landscape as an interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors. Our work is characterised by inter- and transdisciplinary approaches and working at different scales and planning levels. The research focus of HERUS is on transitions of urban systems towards sustainability. One of the key areas of our research is the energy transition where we integrate social and technical science perspectives. 

 

Main duties and responsibilities

The research of the PhD student will focus on co-designing environmental transition pathways at cities and cantonal level utilizing participatory methods and modelling results on tipping points.

  • Understanding complex urban systems with a focus on energy and environmental transitions
  • Identifying relevant indicators that feed into the policy process at city, cantonal (national) level
  • Co-designing measures for sustainable energy transition at a city and cantonal level in close collaboration with LAND and HERUS utilizing the results of the ABM model 
  • Independent research under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Beate Jessel (LAND) and Prof. Dr. Claudia R. Binder (HERUS) and in collaboration with the LAND and HERUS research team 
  • Support in teaching activities of LAND/HERUS (20%)

Profile

  • An excellent MSc degree, preferably in Social Sciences, Computer Science, Energy, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Urban Planning or other related fields
  • Solid knowledge on qualitative and quantitative social sciences 
  • Commitment to inter- and transdisciplinary research
  • Interest in modelling
  • Knowledge of and high interest in the energy sector and socio-technical systems
  • Proficiency in English is required (working language), knowledge of French (and/or German) is an asset
  • Strong team spirit, social skills, good communication, independence, and a high level of motivation for academic research motivated by relevant practical problems

We offer

  •  Excellent working conditions: an innovative and competitive atmosphere, modern equipped working areas and an environment promoting access to the world's best scientists
  •  Interdisciplinary working environment
  •  Full financial support for max. four years (1-year fixed-term contract, renewable for four years) including conference visits

 

 

Informations

Contract Start Date : May 1st 2025 or upon agreement 

Activity Rate : 100% 

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year renewable 

Reference: 1410

For reference of ongoing and past research activities at HERUS please visit www.epfl.ch/labs/herus 

 

 

 

 










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