MSCA Doctoral Network PhD student (100%) / MSCA Doctoral Network PhD student (100%)

MSCA Doctoral Network PhD Student (100%)

The Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) is an intercantonal and interstate university of applied sciences with campuses in Buchs, Rapperswil-Jona, and St.Gallen. With excellent Bachelor's and Master's degree programs and state-of-the-art continuing education courses, we train future-oriented specialists and managers. We are recognized as a leading institution nationally in the field of application-oriented research and development, as well as services.

We are currently seeking a dedicated individual for the position of:

MSCA Doctoral Network PhD Student (100%)

The “Training Wind Energy Experts on Digitalisation (TWEED)” Doctoral Network (DN) is designed to cultivate the next generation of exceptional researchers equipped with a comprehensive set of technical and complementary skills to thrive in the high-impact field of wind energy digitalisation. Co-funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks Programme, the TWEED network offers 12 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) positions that provide high-level training in the emerging research domain of Wind Energy Data Science and Digitalisation.

The goal of this DC project, titled “Novel methods for a knowledge graph generation approach within TWEED’s Virtual Wind Farm Hub”, is to investigate, design, and implement a knowledge graph generation approach for the Virtual Wind Farm Hub within the TWEED project. This platform will serve as an open space for exchanging datasets, research findings, and applications, enabling domain experts and data scientists to prototype innovative services.

Due to its status as a Swiss University of Applied Sciences, OST cannot matriculate or award PhD degrees. Therefore, the PhD student will be matriculated at ETH Zurich under the guidance of Prof. Eleni Chatzi (Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring), who will serve as co-supervisor for the thesis. The primary supervisor is Dr. Sarah Barber at OST (Institute of Energy Technology), with further support from Prof. Mitra Purandare at OST (Institute for Software).

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Completed Master’s degree (at the date of appointment) in a technical subject such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science, or equivalent.
• Students in their final year of a Master’s degree are encouraged to apply, but should note that if selected, they will be expected to start their PhD in the first quarter of 2025.
• Experience and understanding of basic knowledge engineering concepts, including knowledge graphs, semantic web, ontologies, and semantic artefacts.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Javascript, and Java.
• Interest and ability to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects involving diverse individuals, particularly at the interface between computer science and engineering.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
• Basic communication skills in German or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Willingness to adhere to the mobility plan of the programme, including conducting secondments at the host institute's country.
• Fulfill the admission requirements of the PhD program at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich.

Optional Qualifications:

• Experience with tools such as Spring, Node.js, Angular, React, MongoDB, Elasticsearch, or TensorFlow.
• Background in wind energy.

Eligibility Criteria:

• At the time of recruitment, applicants must not hold a doctoral degree or equivalent.
• Applicants can be of any nationality. However, they must not have resided or conducted their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately preceding the appointment. This does not include short stays such as holidays or compulsory national service.

What We Offer:

• An opportunity for professional and research-based development within a motivated and performance-oriented team.
• A varied area of responsibility with creative opportunities in a dynamic university environment.
• Modern employment conditions.
• An attractive workplace along the shores of Lake Zurich, conveniently located near the Rapperswil train station and the historic town.

Apply online using the form below.

For more information about the position, please visit: here.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Barber at Show e-mail.