The Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT'IS), an independent, nonprofit research organization closely associated with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, in collaboration with the Z43 NetZero Foundation (Z43 NetZero), is currently seeking applicants for the position

Most Effective Small-Scale CO₂ Reduction Technologies (Master's Student Internship / Master’s Thesis / Postdoc Project)

Z43 NetZero was established before the recent shift in geopolitical priorities and the reduction in large-scale funding for renewable energy and CO₂ capture projects. Z43 NetZero is now sharpening its focus on pragmatic, high-impact, small-scale approaches to CO₂ reduction that remain technically feasible, economically viable, and deployable under constrained policy support. The position above involves systematically reviewing and comparing small-scale technologies and measures – including renewable energy generation, e fuels, energy efficiency, and CO₂ removal – that are suitable for decentralized implementation, with particular attention to solutions relevant to Switzerland. This is a fixed term position that may be converted to a permanent role.

Your challenges:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review, publicly available reports, etc. of renewable energy, e-fuels, energy conservation, and CO₂ removal technologies suitable for decentralized, small-scale deployment
• Develop a structured comparison framework covering technical readiness, CO₂ reduction potential, infrastructure needs, scalability, cost, and key adoption barriers
• Evaluate technologies with a focus on Switzerland and comparable regulatory and market environments
• Identify the most promising solution pathways that are technically robust, economically viable, and strategically relevant for near- to medium-term implementation
• Translate the findings into actionable recommendations for technology prioritization and targeted future development activities
• Define a focused research roadmap for Z43 NetZero, including priority areas, potential pilot projects, and priorities for follow-up work
• Produce a concise written report summarizing the results and findings

Your strengths:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering, energy systems, environmental sciences, economics, or a related field; candidates pursuing or holding a MSc or PhD are particularly encouraged to apply
• Knowledge with concepts in renewable energy, e-fuels, energy conservation, and CO₂ removal technologies
• Experience conducting literature reviews, comparative analysis, technology assessment, or strategic research planning
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex, multi-source information and datasets into clear insights
• Experience with techno-economic assessment, climate policy or regulatory analysis, sustainability evaluation, or quantitative modeling is a plus
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with ability to tailor information to both expert and non-expert audiences
• Strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the highest quality standards of work
• Self-motivation with good organizational and communication skills, and impeccable attention to detail
• Friendly personality with strong team spirit
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, to work independently in a fast-paced setting, and to meet tight deadlines
• Commitment to effectively respond to the needs of partners and customers
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken)

Our offer:

• Vibrant, multicultural, and innovative work environment that drives research in key technologies and fosters diversity and inclusion
• State-of-the-art laboratories, high-performance computing clusters, and production facilities
• Creative mix of global talents that span the fields of physics, electronics, mathematics, biology and related disciplines, striving for excellence and high ethical standards
• Flexible working hours at a workplace in the heart of Zurich
• An opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of Z43 NetZero and contribute to meaningful climate action towards net zero

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Direct applications are preferred; applications submitted via recruitment agencies are discouraged. Please note that incomplete applications will be disregarded.

Please send your application documents (in English) consisting of motivational letter, tailored CV (max 2 pages), diplomas, transcripts (with grades), work certificates and/or reference letters (if available) to:

Zurich43, Yvonne Maeder, Zeughausstrasse 43, 8004 Zurich, Switzerland, Phone: +41 44 245 96 96, jobs@z43.swiss

Informal inquiries are welcome and should be directed to Prof. Niels Kuster.