Senior Researcher Control Engineering - Energy Systems

The Institut für Energiesysteme (IES) in Buchs SG is one of the leading addresses in Swiss heat pump research. We are building a new focus area: model-based control for heat pumps and other flexible loads. Operating them optimally and utilizing their flexibility is crucial for the energy transition. For this purpose, we are looking for, immediately or by arrangement: Scientific Employee Control Engineering - Energy Systems. You will develop methods that scale across large plant inventories - supported by our heat pump testing center, the only accredited one in Switzerland, and ten years of our own high-resolution field measurement data. ###

Your Field of Activity

• You develop scalable model-based control and optimization concepts for heat pumps and other flexible loads
• You model and identify heat pump, building, and energy systems and evaluate extensive field and test bench measurement data for this purpose
• You design and test scalable interfaces for the connection, observation, and control of field plants, as well as investigation and measurement concepts
• You transfer your methods into software tools that reach energy suppliers and plant manufacturers in real operation, partly as Open Source
• You carry out work packages in applied research projects independently, collaborate with industrial partners, and provide technical guidance to employees
• You publish your results, contribute to project proposals, and supervise students

Your Expertise

• Completed engineering studies (Master) in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, technical cybernetics, automation technology, or a related field; doctorate is an advantage
• At least 5 years of function-relevant professional experience in industry or academia in model-based control, modeling, or system identification
• Proven practice in implementation on real technical systems and with extensive real measurement or operational data
• Programming skills in Python at a productive level; use of AI-supported development tools and language models in productive processing pipelines is an advantage
• Ability to independently design approaches for open questions - and find solutions that stand up in real industrial practice; project management experience is an advantage
• Structured way of working, strong communication skills towards practical partners, scientific integrity, and interest in building up the subject area

Your Benefits with us

Questions about the application process

Sylvia Iten
HR Business Partner
sylvia.iten@ost.ch

About the OST

Die OST - Ostschweizer Fachhochschule is an intercantonal and interstate university of applied sciences with locations in Buchs, Rapperswil-Jona, and St.Gallen. With excellent Bachelor's and Master's degree programs as well as up-to-date continuing education, we train future-oriented specialists and managers. In the area of application-oriented research and development as well as services, we are among the leading institutions nationally.