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PhD Positions in Circular Economy and Climate Resilience at ETH Zurich ETH Zurich in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD, Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Two PhD positions are fully funded. The selected candidates will be hired as full-time researchers for the entire project duration. The annual salary is described as very competitive according to ETH Zurich regulations.
Deadline
Jun 30, 2026
Country
Switzerland
University
ETH Zurich
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About this position
ETH Zurich is recruiting for two fully funded PhD positions in the Group for Circular Economy / SusTec, within the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics. The projects sit at the intersection of circular economy, decarbonization, climate resilience, industrial transformation, policy, and business strategy.
Project 1: SWEET ACHIEVE focuses on circular economy measures in hard-to-abate sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and waste treatment. The research will examine how circular measures can reduce emissions and how they are adopted from firm-level, policy, and value-chain perspectives.
Project 2: NCCR CLIM+ examines industrial transformation under climate-induced disruptions such as supply chain shocks, raw material shortages, and infrastructure failures. The work will combine historical and contemporary case analysis with forward-looking scenarios to support businesses and policymakers.
The positions require an M.Sc. or equivalent in economics, engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related field, plus strong analytical skills and experience with qualitative and quantitative methods. Python/coding skills, excellent English, and an interest in sustainability research with real-world policy and business relevance are important. The group also values interdisciplinary experience, stakeholder engagement, and familiarity with Swiss or European industrial/environmental policy.
The positions are based in Zurich, Switzerland, and remote work from outside Switzerland is not possible. The day-to-day supervisor is David Pfeffer, with Prof. Dr. Catharina Bening leading the research group. Funding is fully covered, and the salary is competitive under ETH Zurich regulations.
Deadline: June 30, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from late May 2026, so early submission is encouraged.
How to apply: Submit your application via the ETH Zurich online portal with a CV, two referees, a motivation letter, BSc and MSc transcripts, and a writing sample. Email and postal applications are not accepted.
Funding details
Two PhD positions are fully funded. The selected candidates will be hired as full-time researchers for the entire project duration. The annual salary is described as very competitive according to ETH Zurich regulations.
What's required
Applicants should hold an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in economics, engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related discipline. A strong academic record is required, along with strong analytical skills and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods. Candidates should be passionate about sustainability, circular economy, and climate resilience, interested in the intersection of sustainability research with policy and business applications, able to work independently and manage multiple tasks, and be a team player with strong communication skills. Experience with coding and modeling (e.g., Python) and fluency in spoken and written English are required. Work experience, prior publications, interdisciplinary project experience, stakeholder engagement, and familiarity with Swiss or European industrial and environmental policy are a plus.
How to apply
Apply through the ETH Zurich online application portal by June 30, 2026. Submit a CV with two referees, a motivation letter stating your research interests and preferred project, BSc and MSc transcripts, and a writing sample such as a master's thesis. Do not apply by email or postal mail.
More information can be found here
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