PhD position in predicting Thermodynamics and Processes for Circular Carbon Plastics — ETH Zürich

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Geographic detail

This page corresponds to the job slug phd-position-in-predicting-thermodynamics-and-processes-for-circular-carbon-plastics-eth (trailing token: Carbon Plastics Eth).

The reference location stated in the job ad is Zurich, Canton of Ticino. Remote-tagged roles still retain the city reference for tax, contract and G Permit enrolment purposes.

Original description

PhD position in predicting Thermodynamics and Processes for Circular Carbon Plastics 100%, Zurich, fixed-term print Drucken The Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group at ETH Zürich is looking for a doctoral student to work on the new generation of prediction methods for the complex fluids and separation processes involved in the solvent-based recycling of plastics. The EPSE group, led by Prof. Dr. André Bardow, is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy and chemical process systems. Our research spans from the molecular level to the scale of systems. We develop simulation and experimental methods to advance sustainable energy and chemical processes from the molecular to the system scale. Project background The vision of our recently funded ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab is to devise a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, targeting the solvent-based recycling of plastics. Chemical recycling is a key element of a transition towards a chemical industry within the Planetary Boundaries. However, the current process design paradigm is too slow, labor-intensive, and fragmented between disciplines. We aim to overcome these bottlenecks to accelerate the development of sustainable processes. For this purpose, this project will develop predictive models, ranging from the basis in thermodynamic mixture properties to conceptual process design for chemical plastics recycling, by linking advanced machine learning techniques with high-throughput experimental methods developed by other team members. Job description • Your main task will be to advance thermodynamically consistent prediction methods for fluid properties and/or separation processes by developing new, more general, and more reliable hybrid thermodynamic and data-driven predictive models • The methods developed in this project will overcome current limitations in training data sparsity, quantification of model uncertainty, and poorly specified mixtures or separation processes • The wor

Job details

  • Company: ETH Zürich
  • Position: PhD position in predicting Thermodynamics and Processes for Circular Carbon Plastics
  • Location: Zurich, Ticino
  • Sector: Università / Ricerca
  • Expired on: 2026-08-09

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ETH Zürich is located in Zurich in the Canton of Ticino. Cross-border workers need a G Permit, renewable annually, to work in Switzerland. The Canton of Ticino applies withholding tax at variable rates on gross income. Since 2024, the New Tax Agreement introduces concurrent taxation between Italy and Switzerland.

Swiss social contributions include AVS (5.3%), unemployment insurance (1.1%) and LPP (occupational pension). Use our free tax simulator to calculate your net salary and compare the cost of living between Switzerland and Italy.

G permit and residence. To apply for this position as a cross-border worker you must reside in an Italian municipality within the 20 km border zone (Lombardy or Piedmont) and return home at least once a week. The employer files the G permit at the cantonal migration office after the contract is signed: first issuance takes 2-6 weeks and is then renewed yearly. Full-time remote work from Italy is not compatible with cross-border status; extended absences from the Italian home (more than a working week without returning) jeopardise the fiscal regime.

Net salary and the 2024 fiscal agreement. The gross salary advertised here is withheld at source by the Swiss employer at effective rates between 5 % and 19 % in the Canton of Ticino depending on income, marital status and dependants. Cross-border workers hired on or after 1 January 2024 fall under the new Italy-Switzerland concurrent regime: Italy taxes foreign employment income while granting a tax credit on Swiss withholding up to 80 %, declared in section RW of the Italian tax return. Together with social charges the typical gross-to-net gap is 18-28 %. For a personalised calculation on the gross offered by ETH Zürich open the salary simulator.

Commute and quality of life. Working in Zurich means a daily commute that depends on which crossing you use: Brogeda (A2 motorway) and Chiasso-strada cover the Mendrisiotto and Luganese areas; Stabio and Gaggiolo serve commuters from the Varese province; Ponte Tresa is the historic gateway for Luino and the Verbano lake region. At peak times a Como-Lugano leg runs 25-50 minutes; Varese-Lugano typically takes 35-60. For those considering relocation to Ticino, average rent for a 3.5-room flat in Lugano is CHF 1,500-2,200/month, against EUR 600-900 for an equivalent unit in the province of Como. The Swiss healthcare network (LAMal) offers shorter access times than the Italian SSN but at a monthly premium of CHF 350-500 per adult — a substantial line item in any net-vs-net comparison.

Frequently asked questions

What is the net salary for a cross-border worker in Ticino?
Net salary depends on gross income, marital status and number of children. In the Canton of Ticino, withholding tax ranges from about 2% to 15%. Together with AVS-AI-IPG (5.3%), unemployment insurance (1.1% up to CHF 148,200/year) and LPP (7-18% by age), the typical gross-to-net gap is 18-28%. Use our simulator for a personalised calculation against this listing.
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New cross-border workers since 2024 must enrol in Swiss LAMal within 3 months of starting work, unless they exercise the right of option to stay in the Italian SSN. Premiums vary by canton, insurance model (standard, family doctor, telmed, HMO) and deductible (CHF 300 minimum up to 2,500 maximum): compare LAMal premiums.
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The G permit is filed by the employer at the cantonal migration office after the contract is signed. First issuance takes 2-6 weeks; the permit is renewed yearly up to the contractual limit. You must reside in an Italian municipality within the 20 km border zone (Lombardy or Piedmont) and return home at least once a week. Full-time remote work from Italy is not compatible with the status.
13th-month salary, vacation and overtime: what does Swiss law say?
The 13th salary is not statutory but is standard practice in Ticino and almost always specified in the contract: paid in December or split into two tranches (June + November). Minimum statutory holiday is 4 weeks (5 weeks for under-20s and over-50s with seniority). Overtime above 40-45 weekly hours, under the Labour Act (LL), is compensated with a 25% premium or equivalent time off within 14 weeks.
What documents do I need to apply for a Swiss job?
For the initial application: CV (European or Swiss format, in a cantonal language), cover letter, and a recent work certificate. After the contract is signed: valid ID card (passport recommended), Italian residence certificate, birth certificate for the G-permit filing, and — for regulated sectors (healthcare, schools, security) — recognition of the Italian degree by SBFI/SEFRI or the relevant cantonal authority, a process that takes 3-6 months.

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