PhD position in political economy of climate change adaptation policies ETH Zürich in Switzerland

The Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) at ETH Zürich is offering a PhD position focused on the political economy of climate change adaptation policies. This opportunity is part of the National Center of Competence in Research: Climate Extremes and Society – Strengthening Resilience (NCCR CLIM+), a collaborative initiative involving multiple investigators from ETH Zürich and other Swiss institutions. The successful candidate will analyze the design and policy processes of adaptation and resilience strategies to climate change, with a particular emphasis on Switzerland and comparative international contexts.

The PhD project will leverage public policy theories and employ both qualitative and quantitative empirical methods to investigate how adaptation policies are formulated, including the influence of extreme climate events. The candidate will be primarily supervised by Professor Tobias Schmidt and will collaborate with principal investigators and fellow PhD students within the NCCR CLIM+ consortium. The doctorate will be conducted within the Einstein School’s doctoral program and is expected to be completed within 3-4 years.

Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related social science. Interdisciplinary candidates are encouraged to apply. High proficiency in English and French and/or German is required, and familiarity with the Swiss political system is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate scientific rigor, relevance to decision makers, teamwork, and strong communication skills.

ETH Zürich offers an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary research environment at one of Europe’s leading universities. The EPG is recognized globally for its research in energy policy and maintains collaborations with institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Princeton, and the UN. Candidates will have opportunities to contribute to CLIM+ research discussions and may co-advise master’s students. The offices are centrally located in Zurich, and the exact starting date is negotiable, with a preference for fall 2026.

The position is fully funded for up to four years, with salary provided according to the Swiss National Science Foundation PhD regulation. ETH Zürich values diversity, sustainability, and equal opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture and climate-neutral future. Applications must be submitted online via the ETH Zurich application portal by 21 June 2026. Required documents include a letter of motivation (indicating possible starting date), CV with contact information for two references, university diplomas or transcripts, and a reading sample (such as a chapter from your Master thesis). Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about the Energy and Technology Policy Group, visit the group’s website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Prof. Tobias Schmidt at [email protected] (no applications). The NCCR CLIM+ is committed to equal opportunity and believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience leads to better research outcomes.

ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellence in education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, the university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence, working together to address global challenges.