ETH Zürich’s Political Economy of Technology (PET) group, led by Prof. Dr. Lukas Fesenfeld, invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on the political economy of low-carbon technologies (LCTs) and climate policy. This role is part of the ERC Starting Grant project “The Politicization of Low-Carbon Technologies (PolTech),” which investigates the drivers and impacts of technology politicization, especially regarding the adoption and policy design of LCTs such as solar PV, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and heat pumps. The project explores how politicization shapes technology deployment, industrial development, and socio-technical feedback, with a strong interdisciplinary and mixed-methods approach.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team at the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, embedded within the new Einstein School of Public Policy at ETH Zürich. The postdoc will have the opportunity to develop an innovative research agenda using advanced quantitative methods (econometrics, experiments, quasi-experimental causal inference), natural language processing (NLP), and comparative case studies. The position offers excellent opportunities for collaboration with leading scholars at ETH Zürich, EPFL, Technical University of Munich, Stanford University, and policymakers across Switzerland, the EU, and OECD countries.

Applicants should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in political science, public policy, political economy, economics, sociology, computational social sciences, or a related field. Essential qualifications include strong expertise in advanced quantitative methods; experience with NLP and qualitative case studies is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in climate policy, low-carbon technologies, and sustainability transitions, and be motivated to conduct rigorous, policy-relevant research. Fluency in English and experience in interdisciplinary, international collaborations are required.

The position is full-time (100%) for three years, with internationally competitive salary and excellent career development opportunities, including training, mentoring, and support for academic profiling and grant applications. The PET group offers a collaborative and inclusive environment, with access to ETH Zürich’s extensive interdisciplinary networks and resources. The start date is negotiable, with a preferred start in Q2 2026. The position is open to all nationalities, and no Swiss work permit is required at the time of application.

To apply, submit your application online via the ETH Zürich job portal, including a letter of motivation, CV, contact information for two references, university diplomas or transcripts, and a sample of written work. Applications by email or post will not be considered. Review of applications begins February 16, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. For open questions not addressed in the job description, contact Prof. Dr. Lukas Fesenfeld at [email protected].

ETH Zürich is a world-leading university renowned for excellence in science, technology, and interdisciplinary research, committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. The university provides a vibrant, international environment in the heart of Europe, fostering independent thinking and solutions to global challenges.