PhD Position in Green Hydrogen Production

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 thermochemical approaches for the production of green hydrogen. 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 in thermodynamics, chemistry, and material science to design new methods for producing hydrogen from water that are not only compatible with sustainable heat sources (e.g., concentrated solar radiation) but also scalable by volume. The performance of the conceived methods will be experimentally evaluated using both custom-built equipment and advanced thermophysical characterization techniques, such as thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. 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.