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.