PhD position in Sustainable Networking

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Networked Systems Group is a research group in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (D-ITET) at ETH Zürich led by Prof. Laurent Vanbever . Our group is developing a team led by Dr. Romain Jacob , focusing on sustainable networking .

Today’s Internet, and more generally communication networks, are responsible for a large and quickly increasing share of the world’s carbon footprint. The current trend of ever-increasing capacity deployment and bandwidth demand is incompatible with the emission reduction targets that we must collectively achieve.

Our research aims to identify and address the energy and carbon inefficiency of modern computer networks. Projects in this area are inherently multidisciplinary as energy consumption is affected by everything, from the bit transmissions at the physical layer to the market incentives for network deployment and pricing.

Job description

Our approach to sustainable networking is primarily applied and operational: we aim to improve the sustainability of the Internet today, rather than in theory. We are interested in and considering all ideas that can contribute to that objective.

As a new group member, you are supposed to contribute to our research activities and gradually build your own independent research profile according to your interests. You are expected to work towards a doctoral degree and participate in our teaching activities.

Profile

We are looking for a new member with a strong networking and/or systems background and a Master’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Ideally, we are looking for someone with previous experiences, knowledge and/or strong interests about:

• Network management/operations
• Hardware design
• Routing protocols
• Modern networking stacks
• Knowledge or prior experience in sustainability-related topics is a plus, but not required.

Besides, you should also be able to think critically, have strong English communication skills (oral and written), and enjoy collaboration. Our group aims to increase diversity in scientific positions; as such, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of gender, or origin. Only your skills and motivation matter.

Workplace

We offer

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university .
• You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:

• A (short) letter of motivation
• CV
• The names and email addresses of people who could provide a reference letter (between two and five)
• A transcript of your Bachelor’s and Master’s grades.

The goal of your letter of motivation should be to help us gauge your interest and motivation in pursuing research in sustainable networking. For instance, you may think to write about:

• An exciting master thesis or term project you have done which relates to computer networks in some way (In this case, please attach a PDF of it to your application.)
• A fresh idea for research you would be interested to work on (Or maybe you know some open problems in our area)
• How to improve or build upon one of our previous results
• Previous experiences in managing complex network environments/infrastructures
• Some awesome lectures you have attended in our area in which you have achieved excellent grades
• Anything else that you think might be worth knowing about you.

More information about us can be found on our website . For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Laurent Vanbever ( lvanbeverethz.ch ) and Dr. Romain Jacob ( jacobrethz.ch ).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Apply online now

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.