PhD position: Carbon dioxide removal technologies in deep mitigation pathways in Zürich

The at ETH Zürich is seeking a PhD student to investigate the role of carbon dioxide removal technologies in achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The position is funded by Horizon Europe and allows collaboration with leading experts on integrated assessment modeling from Europe and the US. The PhD position will focus on detailed techno-economic models of direct air capture and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.

The research of the EPSE group at ETH Zürich, led by Prof. Dr André Bardow, is centered on sustainability in energy and chemical process systems. Our group aims to develop innovative methods to advance sustainable energy and chemical process systems ranging from molecular to systems scale. In our work, we combine computer-aided molecular and process design to optimize molecules and processes simultaneously. To holistically evaluate the environmental impacts of chemicals and energy systems, we develop predictive methods for Life Cycle Assessment. Our group’s technological focus currently lies on Power-to-X and sector coupling, sustainable carbon feedstock, and carbon capture, utilization and storage.

Limiting global average temperature rise to below 1.5°C requires significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately to net-zero and even below net-zero. Achieving such steep reductions and sustaining negative emissions requires carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. These findings were collected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) based on findings from Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs). However, current integrated assessment models only poorly represent CDR technologies, limiting our understanding of the potential role of CDR.

This project aims to improve the representation of CDR technologies within Integrated Assessment Models to investigate the role of negative emissions within transition scenarios. To this end, a wide range of CDR technologies is systematically assessed individually and within systems.

In particular, detailed techno-economic models will be developed for CDR technologies, including direct air capture and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. The models will cover their full value chains and development pathways. Aggregated representations will be developed and integrated into IAMs, increasing their technology richness. The potential of CDR technologies will be investigated at regional and global levels.

The interdisciplinary project aims to investigate carbon dioxide removal technologies holistically, including their technological readiness, scalability, and effectiveness. Furthermore, social and governance implications are considered, as well as their impact on the deployment of other emission reduction options and on Sustainable Development Goals.

Your work within this project will involve techno-economic modeling of alternatives for carbon dioxide removal technology. Specifically, you will participate in:

• process modeling of CDR technologies,
• techno-economic assessment and harmonization with the life-cycle assessment team, and
• systematic model reductions for implementation in integrated assessment models.

This work will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of a portfolio of carbon dioxide removal technologies and the development of integrated assessment models within a dynamic team of researchers and an international consortium.

We offer you a full-time position for the duration of your PhD. The envisioned starting date is September 1, 2023 that we are open to discuss. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers with in-depth experience in process design, energy system optimization, and techno-economic assessment. As an integral part of your work, you will publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.

• We are looking for a proactive and motivated individual who meets the requirements for a position at ETH Zurich and has a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a university in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, energy science & technology or in a comparable subject.
• Ideally, you already have strong experience in techno-economic assessment, modeling and optimization, and programming.
• You should be highly motivated to learn and apply simulation and optimization techniques and work in a dynamic environment with other doctoral students and postdocs.
• The ability to work independently and good communication skills in English (both written and spoken) complete your profile.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.