Catharina Bening

ETH Zürich is recruiting 2 fully funded PhD students in the Group for Circular Economy within the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics. The positions are based in Zurich, Switzerland, and are part of a research agenda on circular economy , climate resilience , sustainability , and the transition to a decarbonised future. Position 1 (SWEET ACHIEVE) focuses on circular economy measures in hard-to-abate sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and waste treatment. The project examines how firms, industries, and policy can reduce emissions through circular transition pathways, using both qualitative and quantitative methods to study adoption pathways, policy requirements, and value-chain effects. Position 2 (NCCR CLIM+) focuses on industry restructuring and climate resilience under supply chain disruptions. The research investigates how climate-induced shocks, raw material shortages, and infrastructure failures reshape firms, industries, and policy responses, again combining qualitative and quantitative methods and developing forward-looking scenarios for businesses and policymakers. The ideal candidate has an M.Sc. or equivalent in economics, engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related field, with an excellent academic record, strong analytical skills, coding/modeling experience (e.g. Python), and fluent English. Experience with interdisciplinary projects, stakeholder engagement, publications, or Swiss/European industrial and environmental policy is a plus. The positions are fully funded , full-time, and offered for the duration of the project. The annual salary is competitive under ETH Zurich regulations. The application is reviewed on a rolling basis from late May 2026, and the deadline is 2026-06-30 . Applicants must submit a CV with two referees, a motivation letter indicating the preferred project, BSc and MSc transcripts, and a writing sample. Applications must be submitted via the online portal; email or postal applications will not be considered. Supervision is by David Pfeffer , with Prof. Dr. Catharina Bening leading the group. Contact emails listed in the posting are [email protected] and [email protected].

The Group for Circular Economy within the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics at ETH Zürich is seeking two PhD students to advance research in circular economy and climate change resilience. The group investigates how technological innovations, policy interventions, and business strategies contribute to sustainable circular economy transitions. These positions are embedded in two major projects: SWEET ACHIEVE, which focuses on reducing hard-to-abate greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland through circular economy measures, and NCCR CLIM+, which supports Switzerland’s transformation towards a climate-resilient society by exploring solution spaces for climate crisis adaptation. As a PhD student, you will conduct rigorous research relevant to policymakers and managers, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to assess circular economy measures, industry restructuring, and climate-induced disruptions. Your work will involve analyzing firm-level, policy, and value-chain perspectives, examining adoption pathways, policy requirements, and the creation of new intersectoral linkages. You will also develop forward-looking scenarios to help businesses and policymakers navigate increasing climate variability and global interdependence. The ideal candidate should hold an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in economics, engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related discipline, with an excellent academic record. Strong analytical skills, experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, fluency in English, and proficiency in coding and modeling (e.g., Python) are required. Additional experience in interdisciplinary projects, stakeholder engagement, scientific publications, and familiarity with Swiss or European industrial and environmental policy are advantageous. ETH Zürich offers a positive research environment within a large, dynamic team at a globally leading academic institution. You will benefit from frequent interactions with leading researchers in sustainability, both at ETH Zürich and internationally. The positions are fully funded, with a competitive annual salary and a full-time researcher contract for the project duration. The starting date is negotiable, but the aim is to fill the positions by September 2026. Remote work from outside Switzerland is not possible due to legal constraints. Applicants should submit their CV (including contact details of two referees), a letter of motivation, BSc and MSc transcripts, and an example of written work (such as a master's thesis) via the online application portal by June 30, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged as positions may be filled before the deadline. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For further information, contact David Pfeffer or Inese Zepa at [email protected] or [email protected] (no email applications). ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to sustainability and diversity. The university promotes equality of opportunity and a climate-neutral future, providing an inspiring environment for independent thinking and academic excellence.