PhD student in Positive Energy Districts and Urban Energy Transitions (100%)

Publication date:16 October 2025
Workload:100%
Contract type:Unlimited employment
Place of work:Sion

Job summary

Join the HES-SO Valais-Wallis Institute for a PhD in PEDs.

Tasks

Integrate energy vectors and mobility for optimizing PEDs.
Research governance and community engagement in urban settings.
Test approaches in Ostend and possibly Sion, Switzerland.

Skills

Looking for a motivated candidate with relevant background.
Strong technical and modeling skills in energy systems.
Interdisciplinary approach to social and technical challenges.

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About the job

About the project

The Institute of Energy and Environment at the HES-SO Valais–Wallis is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join the European project PRISE, focused on Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) and their role in climate-neutral cities.

The research will combine technical modelling and social dimensions. On the technical side, the PhD will explore how to integrate energy vectors (electricity, heating/cooling, energy storage, renewables) and sustainable mobility options (active mobility, EVs, electrified public transport) to optimize PEDs under demand response and grid constraints. On the social side, the work will address governance and community engagement.

The approach will be tested in Ostend (Belgium), with possible extension to Sion (Switzerland). The candidate will also contribute to:

This PhD offers a unique perspective on urban energy transitions, combining advanced modelling with interdisciplinary methods. The doctoral candidate will be enrolled at EPFL and jointly supervised by the HES-SO Valais–Wallis.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate with:

What we offer

Employment: 100%

Place of work: Sion

Starting date: no later than 01.01.2026

Contract duration: 1 year, renewable annually (total duration approx. 4 years)

For further information or informal inquiries, please contact Prof. Jakob Rager at jakob.rager(α)hevs.ch or Dr Alejandro Pena-Bello at alejandro.penabello(α)hevs.ch.

Please submit your complete application documents (resume, motivation letter, diplomas and certificates) by 13 November 2025 by clicking on the Apply button. Only online applications will be considered.