Doctoral Student in Agricultural Economics

In der aktuellen Covid-19 Situation laufen die Rekrutierungen weiter. Es kann dabei allerdings zu Verzögerungen kommen. Vielen Dank für Ihr Verständnis.

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Agricultural Economics and Policy Group , led by Prof. Dr. Robert Finger, uses different quantitative methods to investigate agricultural policies and agricultural risk management instruments with a focus on Swiss and European agriculture.

Project background

The work is part of the project InsuranceGrass(‘Assessment of formal, natural and social insurances: how to cope best with impacts of extreme events on grasslands for sustainable farming systems?’). In this interdisciplinary project, a total of four doctoral students from ETH Zürich, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig (Germany) and the University of Leipzig (Germany) will collaborate addressing management of climate risks in grassland-based farming systems in Switzerland and Germany. The project investigates the potential role of financial, natural and social insurance mechanisms to cope with increasing climate risks, identifies interdependencies between insurance types and derives recommendations for optimal industry and public policies. Find more information here .

Job description

You will investigate farmers’ management decisions to cope with risk from climatic extreme events such as drought. You will also assess the role of different insurance solutions e.g. weather index insurance and satellite-based insurance solutions, and study interdependencies with management in grassland-based farming systems. The thesis will combine theoretical and econometric analysis, and economic modelling.

We are offering a full-time position in a dynamic research team of agricultural economists in an excellent research and learning environment. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules. The starting date is April 01, 2022, the position is scheduled for 3 years.

Your profile

You have a Master degree (or will be close to completion) in agricultural economics or a related discipline. Strong analytical and writing skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are expected. Knowledge of German is a plus but not required. 

ETH Zurich

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.

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