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PhD Positions in Applied Macroeconomics and Political Economy

Join the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich to conduct empirical research in applied macroeconomics and political economy.

Best for:Best for economics graduates with strong quantitative skills and an interest in empirical policy research.

ETH Zürich · Zurich, Switzerland · R1 · First-stage researcher
More professors at ETH Zürich
Applied MacroeconomicsPolitical EconomyPublic FinanceInternational EconomicsInternational TaxationEmpirical Research
Deadline
N/A
Funding
Salaried
Determined according to ETH Zurich regulations
Start date
flexible
Full-time
Location
Zurich
Switzerland

Overview

The Chair of Applied Macroeconomics at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute, is seeking doctoral researchers to join their collaborative team. Successful candidates will engage in empirical research addressing policy-relevant questions in areas such as macroeconomics, international economics, public finance, and political economy. The role involves developing original research projects, utilizing modern econometric methods, and working with diverse datasets including firm-level and household data. Doctoral researchers will receive supervision to help them build their academic profile while contributing to the department's research and teaching activities.

PhDEconometricsPolicy AnalysisData ScienceEconomic ResearchETH ZurichKOF

What you'll do

  • Develop original research questions and designs for a doctoral dissertation.
  • Collect, document, and analyze complex datasets including firm-level, administrative, and survey data.
  • Apply advanced econometric methods to address academic and policy-relevant economic questions.
  • Present research findings at internal seminars, academic workshops, and international conferences.
  • Participate in the research activities and regular meetings of the Chair and KOF.
  • Complete required coursework within the D-MTEC doctoral programme.
  • Contribute to teaching activities in a limited capacity based on departmental needs.

Requirements

Degree required: Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related field

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English (proficient)

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Sound foundation in econometrics, statistics, and quantitative analysis.
  • Proficiency in at least one statistical programming language such as Stata, R, or Python.
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in written and spoken English.
  • Strong interest in empirical research and public policy.
Nice to have
Experience with panel-data methods, causal inference, or time-series econometrics.Experience analyzing large microeconomic or firm-level datasets.Knowledge of topics related to international taxation or fiscal federalism.Knowledge of German.
Eligibility
  • Must hold a Master's degree by the start date of the position.

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
Determined according to ETH Zurich regulations
Duration
18 months initially, with prospect of extension to 4-5 years
Programme
ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-09-30

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online application portal. Ensure all required documents are prepared and uploaded as requested.

Documents required
  • Letter of motivation
  • CV
  • Writing sample (Master's thesis or research paper)
  • Academic record
  • Diplomas and certificates
  • Contact information for 2-3 referees
↗Apply on site

Contact

JS
Prof.
Jan-Egbert Sturm
Department of Management, Technology and Economics
Lab
Chair of Applied Macroeconomics / KOF Swiss Economic Institute
ETH Zürich
Switzerland
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