PhD Positions in Applied Macroeconomics and Political Economy
Join a leading Swiss institute to pursue a PhD in empirical macroeconomics, public finance, and political economy with policy-relevant research opportunities.
Best for:Best for economists with strong quantitative skills and a passion for empirical research in macroeconomics, public finance, or political economy.
Overview
This PhD programme at ETH Zurich’s KOF Swiss Economic Institute offers fully funded doctoral positions focused on applied macroeconomics, international economics, public finance, and political economy. Candidates will work within a collaborative research environment, leveraging macroeconomic, microeconomic, and geospatial datasets to address pressing economic and policy questions. The programme combines rigorous econometric methods with real-world data, supported by a supervisory team that guides the development of an original dissertation. Doctoral researchers will participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences, while contributing to both academic research and limited teaching duties. The position is designed to prepare candidates for careers in academia or policy institutions.
What you'll do
- Develop and refine a dissertation project in applied macroeconomics, public finance, or political economy in collaboration with supervisors
- Design and execute empirical research using macroeconomic, microeconomic, firm-level, or geospatial datasets
- Apply advanced econometric methods such as panel data analysis, time-series techniques, and causal inference to address research questions
- Collect, document, and analyze economic data, including administrative, survey, or text data as needed
- Present research findings at internal seminars, academic workshops, and international conferences
- Participate in regular research meetings and contribute to the academic life of the Chair and KOF Institute
- Complete required coursework within the D-MTEC doctoral programme
- Engage in limited teaching duties based on departmental needs and personal interests
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related field (e.g., Econometrics, Political Economy, Finance) completed by the position start date
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (proficient written and spoken)
Instruction: English
- Strong foundation in econometrics, statistics, and quantitative analysis
- Proficiency in at least one statistical programming language (Stata, R, or Python)
- Ability to communicate research ideas clearly in written and spoken English
- Interest in empirical research addressing policy-relevant economic questions
- Experience with data collection, documentation, and analysis
- Master’s degree in Economics or a related field required by the start date
- Open to applicants of all nationalities
- No prior publications required, but a writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis) must be submitted
- Applicants with quantitative backgrounds in statistics, data science, political science, public policy, or finance are welcome if they have sufficient training in economics
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-09-30 (Europe/Zurich)
Submit a complete application package through the online portal. Include a motivation letter outlining research interests, a CV without a photograph, a writing sample, academic transcripts, diplomas, and contact details for two or three referees. Ensure all documents are prepared in English.
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae (without photograph)
- Writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis, thesis chapter, or academic research paper)
- Complete academic record (courses and grades)
- Copies of relevant diplomas and certificates
- Contact information for two or three referees
Contact
KOF HR Services· HR Contact
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