ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities in the world with a strong focus on science and engineering. The Transdisciplinarity Lab of the Department of Environmental Systems Science(USYS TdLab) develops new educational and research approaches to solve complex problems at the interface between academia and society. Researchers from USYS TdLabÕs Risk governance for energy transition cluster are part of the Swiss Competence Center for Energy Research-Supply of Electricity (SCCER-SoE). There, they collaborate with natural scientist and engineers to develop a risk governance framework for deep geothermal energy and hydropower. USYS TdLab and SCCER-SoE invite applications to start no later than 01.03.2017 for a PhD Position in Socio-political aspects of deep geothermal energy The successful candidate will work as part of a transdisciplinary research project with practitioners and publics of the G?othermie 2020 geothermal program of the Canton of Geneva. The candidate will take part in the elaboration of research-informed decision aids and public engagement procedures. He/she will also critically reflect on the conditions of production of these aids and procedures through an ethnography of decision-making and public engagement in the G?othermie 2020 program. The research will combine qualitative fieldwork methods (observation, interviews, focus groups) with tools from the digital humanities (GIS, semi-automated controversy mapping). The PhD thesis will thus provide an opportunity to combine a theoretically driven reflection with the development of research-informed tools for policy practice. USYS TdLab and SCCER-SoE offer a stimulating multi-disciplinary, cutting-edge research environment. Salary is based on Swiss National Science Foundation standards. To qualify for the position, candidates are required to have completed their MasterÕs degree. The candidates can come from (i) social sciences or humanities, with experience of fieldwork and qualitative research methods, or (ii) natural sciences and engineering, with clear interest in and some experience of qualitative social science methods. Candidates shall be interested in working with stakeholders and the wider public and being part of a multi-disciplinary team. Excellent French and English skills are mandatory. Familiarity with social theory and with the fields of energy policy or contested infrastructures or public engagement is a plus. The candidate is expected to work in Geneva with the local administration during longer periods. For further information contact Dr Olivier Ejderyan (olivier.ejderyan@usys.ethz.ch) by e-mail (no applications). Please apply on following link: https://apply.refline.ch/845721/5045/pub/1/index.html and submit your personal records: letter of motivation, CV, testimonials and the contact information of two referees, a sample document of academic writing preferably in English (e.g. Master thesis, semester thesis, publications as first author, etc.) with attention to Olivier Meyrat. The review of applications will start on 05.12.2016 and will continue until the position is filled.