PhD Position in Thermal Energy Storage

Prof. Dr. Kent Warren, head of the Solar Energy Engineering Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zürich, invites applications for a fully funded, full-time PhD position focused on the development of novel, energy-dense materials for asynchronous storage and dispatch of high-quality heat. The position is expected to start on 1 August 2025, or at the earliest convenience of the successful candidate.

At the Solar Energy Engineering Laboratory, our mission is to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy by developing cost-effective technologies that convert sunlight into a storable and more usable form.

The successful candidate will contribute to this mission by applying fundamentals of thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, and experimental design to develop materials – and scalable methods for their fabrication – that not only substantially outperform conventional sensible heat-based thermal energy storage media but also exhibit robust thermal and mechanical stability at temperatures above 1000°C. Different aspects of the fabricated materials, as well as their overall performance, will be experimentally evaluated using both custom-built equipment and advanced thermophysical characterization techniques, including thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and laser flash analysis. In addition to conducting original research, the successful candidate will be responsible for writing and publishing research findings in leading scientific journals, presenting at international conferences, supporting team members in various scholarly activities, and mentoring Master's and Bachelor's students.

We are seeking a highly motivated, well-rounded, and intellectually curious early-career researcher who meets the following criteria:

• A Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, process engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• A supportive mindset with the capacity to thrive in diverse, inclusive, and multidisciplinary settings.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral.
• Experience with computational tools commonly used in scientific research (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Above all, a genuine enthusiasm for science and discovery, particularly in the field of sustainable energy conversion and storage.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity, and attractive offers and benefits.