PhD Positions in Applied Macroeconomics and Political Economy ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zürich is inviting applications for one or more PhD positions in Applied Macroeconomics and Political Economy at the Chair of Applied Macroeconomics, affiliated with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute and the Department of Management, Technology and Economics (D-MTEC). The doctoral researchers will be based at KOF in a supportive, collaborative environment with a strong emphasis on empirical research and policy relevance.

The project areas include applied macroeconomics, international economics, public finance, and political economy. One of the positions is especially suitable for applicants interested in taxation in a globalized economy, including multinational profit shifting, tax havens, labor-market effects of tax competition, the design and political economy of international tax rules, and the macroeconomic and distributional consequences of international taxation.

Research at the chair uses macroeconomic, microeconomic, firm-level, household, geospatial, administrative, survey, and international datasets, together with modern econometric tools such as panel data, time-series methods, and causal inference. Potential dissertation topics include globalization and policy competition, corporate tax incentives and regulation, political institutions and electoral incentives, and the role of firm- and household-level data in understanding business cycles, forecasting, monetary policy, migration, and corruption.

The PhD is intended to lead to a doctoral degree from ETH Zurich. The dissertation topic will be developed jointly with the supervisory team, allowing the successful candidate to shape a project that matches their interests and builds further expertise. Supervision is by Prof. Dr. Jan-Egbert Sturm and, depending on the topic, Dr. Enea Baselgia.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related field by the start date. A solid foundation in econometrics, statistics, and quantitative analysis is expected, as well as experience with at least one programming language such as Stata, R, or Python. Strong English communication skills are required; German is welcome but not required. Candidates from quantitative backgrounds such as statistics, data science, political science, public policy, or finance are welcome if they have sufficient economics training.

The role includes developing research questions and designs, contributing to academic papers, collecting and analyzing datasets, presenting research at seminars and conferences, participating in Chair and KOF research activities, completing doctoral coursework within D-MTEC, and contributing to teaching in a limited capacity. ETH Zurich offers internationally competitive employment conditions. The position is initially offered for 18 months with the prospect of extension for the normal four- to five-year duration of the doctorate, subject to satisfactory progress. Salary is set according to ETH Zurich regulations.

Applications must be submitted through the online portal by 30 September 2026. Required documents are a motivation letter, CV without photograph, writing sample, complete academic record, copies of diplomas and certificates, and contact information for two or three referees. Questions about the position should be directed to KOF HR Services at [email protected]. Applications by email or post will not be considered.