2 Postdoctoral Positions in Quantitative Immigration Research

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Public Policy Group and the Immigration Policy Lab at the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, invite applications for 2 postdoctoral positions in quantitative immigration research (1+ 2 years fixed term). 

Project background

You will be part of a collaborative team committed to rigorous research along the entire integration journey of immigrants and refugees: from their initial entry to a new host country, through their time as foreign citizens to their (potential) naturalization. We study the effects of policies and design and test interventions to improve the well-being and integration of immigrants and strengthen their host communities. To do so, we combine data from registers, surveys and online behaviour with causal inference and machine learning methods to bring new evidence to bear on the urgent problems policymakers and practitioners face. 

Job description

We are looking for two complementary job profiles, both dedicated to rigorous quantitative analyses using advanced statistical methods. 

Profile I:

• your primary task is to design and implement randomized-controlled trials of integration interventions and analyze natural experiments using recent advances in experimental design and methods for causal inference.

Profile lI:

• your focus is on text analysis using state-of-the-art methods in natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) to analyze newspaper articles, social media, and online comments. 

With either profile you will be involved in all aspects of the research, but with a particular emphasis on study design, data analysis, and preparation of manuscripts for leading peer-reviewed journals. You will conduct your projects in close collaboration with other members of the Immigration Policy Lab and have the opportunity to work with its core and affiliated faculty from the Zurich and Stanford branches. However, you will also have time to develop your own independent projects related to immigration and integration policy evaluation. In addition, you will have minor teaching responsibilities (about 10% of your time). 

Your profile

Profile I:

• Doctorate in a social science program with a preference for Political Science, Economics, or Sociology (degree must be completed at the time of appointment)
• Graduate-level knowledge of advanced causal inference methods and applied statistics
• Experience in running and analyzing field experiments and/or conducting quasi-experimental studies

Profile II:

• Doctorate in a social science program with a preference for Political Science, Economics, or Sociology OR doctorate in computer or data science (NLP) with a focus on social science research questions (degree must be completed at the time of appointment)
• Graduate-level knowledge of applied NLP methods (topic models, word embedding models, transformers etc.)
• Working knowledge of causal inference methods

Both profiles:

• Ability to collaborate effectively with project team members and external stakeholders alike
• Proficiency and excellent writing skills in English
• Knowledge of immigration and integration policy are highly valued. 

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year beginning between August and September 2023, with an expected renewal for up to two more years contingent on satisfactory performance. The salary is competitive and will be paid according to ETH standards . In addition, the lab provides a generous research and travel allowance.

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application including the following documents: 

• a cover letter
• CV
• graduate school transcripts
• and a writing sample
• At least two (confidential) letters of recommendation should be sent directly to [email protected] (Subject: Letter of Recommendation).

Only applications submitted through our online application portal are accepted. Applicants should be prepared to complete a research design and data analysis exercise as part of the interview process. Applications review will begin on January 9th 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

If you have questions about the positionplease contact the head of the group, Dominik Hangartner by email: [email protected] (Subject: ETH Postdoc 2023). For more information on the Public Policy Group and the Immigration Policy Lab , please visit our websites.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.